Perth Voice Interactive

COLIN BARNETT’S controversial local development assessment panels racked up $405,500 in members’ sitting fees last financial year.

The DAPs are unpopular with many WA councils, which view them as an expensive layer of bureaucracy that strips elected councillors of decision-making power on major planning decisions.

The panels consist of five members: two are drawn from the local council but three are appointed by the government, and often do not live in the area they make decisions about.

“This could possibly result in development that negatively impacts the heritage, character and amenity of residential areas that are valued by their community,” Bayswater mayor Sylvan Albert says.

“The DAP process does add another layer in the development application process, resulting in additional application fees, resources and processing time.

“The city needs to be convinced whether the DAP process has been cost effective and a beneficial addition to councils and their communities.”

DAP members are well paid for their time, especially the chairs. Stirling councillors Terry Tyzack, Rod Willox and Giovanni Italiano have been paid $6800, $5200 and $5200 respectively—far above what they receive as councillors.

Mayor Italiano notes a mandatory review of DAPs after two years—required by law—had not occurred.

“It is our view that a review should take place as soon as practicable in order to determine the viability and value offered to the community by DAPs,” he says.

Meanwhile, the government has moved to make it even easier for developers to bypass councils.

The development value threshold for opting to have an application determined by a DAP rather than a council has lowered from $3m to $2m.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK