Collaborative focus for new development industry reference group
Published on 31 August 2023
A new development industry reference group (IRG) has brought together senior representatives from Council and a diverse group of industry building and planning professionals to work collaboratively on development pressures unique to the Shoalhaven.
Director City Development, James Ruprai, said the focus for the IRG would be on enabling discussion around the pressures of development in the pursuit of viable, region-specific outcomes, and the provision of statutory and community expected outcomes within the Shoalhaven.
“We come together with a common vision to foster a safe and attractive community for people to live, work, stay and play,” Mr Ruprai said.
“The group recognises that sustainable growth, development and environmental protection must be managed to provide a unique and relaxed lifestyle,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the group on strategic planning and continuous improvement that benefits our community.”
Council recognises the unique roles that all involved in the local planning and development cycle play for the delivery of infrastructure and development of housing, jobs and region making building.
The IRG, under the Chair of Council, consists of Council staff and key industry representatives across planning; environmental consultancy; engineering; building and certification, housing delivery and builders. In addition, there is industry representation from the Master Builders, Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and Property Council.
The first meeting held in August included discussions on how Council and industry can work collaboratively to assist in streamlining development application and assessment processes, with a view to reducing application turnaround times.
Topics to be discussed at future meetings include:
- the need to review information available on planning and development for the general public
- increasing the quality of applications
- representing community and industry views to the NSW Government
- the NSW Planning Portalthe need for consistency in the development assessment process.
The IRG group will meet a minimum of three times annually to ensure ongoing dialogue.