I have pleasure in confirming that last night I was elected by my peers as the Presiding Member of the Development, Strategy & Policy Committee.

This is a move from my former assessment role with our Development Assessment Panel (DAP). I believe I can better serve Council and you in helping to set policy by not only being a member of but being the Presiding Member of this committee.

This is a Section 41 committees, set up by council under the Local Government Act 1999 (section 41 would you believe). It exists to assist the council in the performance of its functions. It is not a decision making body. It is charged with providing advice and giving recommendations to Council. All decisions of the Committee constitute recommendations to the Council.

This particular committee is also constituted under Section 101A of the Development Act 1993. So unlike the other sections 41 committees we have set up voluntarily this one is one we have to have by statute.

To gain an understating of the responsibilities of this committee the Council website has a page devoted to it.

The committee will be 9 members strong consisting of 6 elected members including myself and 3 independent members. While we await responses to our calling of interest publicly for independent members the other 5 elected members of the panel were also elected by their colleagues last night. They are Councillors John Koumi, Anthony Lapidge, Luke Smolucha, Cr Salaman and my co Councillor Jennie.

This committee has a high workload this year (higher than any of the other section 41 committees). It will be dealing with finalizing the DPA2 which was the subject of many of my blog posts last year, the general DPA and a DPA we are looking to start called Unley Central. We are expected to meet maybe 9 times during the year. This will include a number of public meetings.

I believe I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this committee with my private life being around the built form.

What I promise as the Presiding Member is to ensure that we include you as much as possible. I will be looking to provide you with as much chance to contribute to and influence the final submission that goes to the Minister for approval on any DPA that comes before us. We will always respect your views and ensure they are made known to the State Government. This is of course tempered by remembering at all times that Council, with the help of this committee, is charged with finding the best way to meet the Government’s 30 year plan.

In my role as Presiding Member I look forward to working with you and for you. If you have an interest in the future built form of this Council area please subscribe below to this website blog page to ensure you are kept up to date with my thoughts.