Overview

Council endorsed the public exhibition of the draft Processing Development Applications and Planning Proposals Lodged by Councillors, Staff and Their Respective Relatives Policy (POL 046) at its Monday 25 August Ordinary Council meeting.

Public exhibition was held for 28 days from 26 August 2025 until 22 September 2025 and invite public submissions until 6 October 2025.

About the Policy

The reviewed policy includes proposed amendments to clarify development application processing responsibilities based on the applicant’s relationship to Council, including staff, relatives, Councillors, and the General Manager.

The policy now recognises the mandatory conflict of interest declarations via the NSW Planning Portal in relation to both the applicant and the landowner. The policy also details procedures regarding the responsibility of staff with respect to these declarations to determine the applicability of this policy.

The policy also continues to specify delegation levels for determining applications, depending on the applicant’s position and the potential for conflict of interest. However, minor amendments have been made to clarify the delegations of the General manger and senior staff for determining certain applications under this policy.

The policy continues to include procedures for the processing of planning proposals involving staff or elected officials and continues reinforces existing conflict of interest obligations under the Code of Conduct and the Local Government Act. and the General Manager’s discretion in permitting delegated approvals under specific circumstances has been clarified.

The draft policy, with all proposed amendments shown as tracked changes, is attached.