PANEL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION reasons why it did not accept the The council is not bound by the report and panel’s panel’s recommendation. recommendation but it must consider them when it makes its decision about the amendment. The panel’s report must be made public no later than 28 days after Councillors should read the full report as well panel’s the council receives it. If council makes a decision that as the council summary. a good way to planner’s It’s is inconsistent with the recommendation, learn about the planning system. panel’s council is required to explain to the Minister the ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT A decision to adopt the amendment must be made by Council can make a decision about the amendment the full council. after it considers the report. The council can Panel’s decide to: The adopted amendment is then forwarded to the Abandon the amendment, or Minister for Planning for consideration and final Adopt the amendment, with or without changes. approval. THE MINISTER’S POWERS The Minister for Planning has powers to authorise a council to prepare an amendment. The Minister also considers the amendment, the submissions, the panel report, council report and advice from the Department before deciding to approve an amendment adopted by a council. The Minister is likely to consult with the council before making a decision that is contrary to the decision. However, the council’s Minister’s decision about an amendment is final and there is no right of review.
PANEL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION The council is not bound by the panel’s report and recommendation but it must consider them when it makes its decision about the amendment. The panel’s report must be made public no later than 28 days after the council receives it. If council makes a decision that is inconsistent with the panel’s recommendation, council is required to explain to the Minister the reasons why it did not accept the panel’s recommendation. Councillors should read the panel’s full report as well as the council planner’s summary. It’s a good way to learn about the planning system. ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT Council can make a decision about the amendment after it considers the Panel’s report. The council can decide to: Abandon the amendment, or Adopt the amendment, with or without changes. A decision to adopt the amendment must be made by the full council. The adopted amendment is then forwarded to the Minister for Planning for consideration and final approval. THE MINISTER’S POWERS The Minister for Planning has powers to authorise a council to prepare an amendment. The Minister also considers the amendment, the submissions, the panel report, council report and advice from the Department before deciding to approve an amendment adopted by a council. The Minister is likely to consult with the council before making a decision that is contrary to the council’s decision. However, the Minister’s decision about an amendment is final and there is no right of review.