Perth Voice Interactive

CONTROVERSIAL state government-appointed panels that have the power to approve multi-million dollar developments in local communities are the subject of a parliamentary inquiry.

The uniform legislation and statutes review committee, chaired by Labor MLC Kate Doust, is leading an “inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of development assessment panels”.

The first public inquiry meeting was held this week and attended by representatives from Broome and Mandurah councils, WA local government association, local government planners association and Nedlands mayor Max Hipkins.

Former Stirling councillor Paul Collins, a property realtor, says the inquiry is long overdue.

“Looking at the specialist members on many of the DAP panels, it is effectively a regime where the property industry is self-approving the property industry,” he says.

“I have seen an instance where a specialist DAP member approved a development with over-height and over-plot ratio concerns and then later appeared at a subsequent meeting as the architect for another development further down the road with similar over-height and plot ratio concerns.

“I have been concerned with DAPs for some time.”

The panels consist of appointed people—the government says all offer technical expertise—and two councillor representatives from the local council. The panels preside over developments costing $7 million and more across WA, except Perth where the baseline is $15m.

The next inquiry meeting is scheduled for May 11, where residents affected by a DAP-approved development in Kennedy Street, Bayswater can attend.

Maylands Labor MP Lisa Baker says development has to be “smart” and work “for the community”. “The current system allows a lot of discretion…yet leaves residents feeling ignored,” she told the Voice. “I hope this inquiry will look into ways the community can be actively involved.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK