Reviewing the IHAP Committee Charter

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Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP)

IHAP was introduced by Council in 2008 in line with ICAC recommendations, and has been periodically reviewed on four occasions from 2009-12. IHAP has been operating for over six years providing independent assessment of development applications (DA) and recommendations to Council before final determination. The IHAP has proven itself to be a robust process for the consideration of controversial and complex development proposals. It offers a range of benefits including:

  • An independent forum for consultation and decision making
  • Expert independent peer review of staff DA recommendations
  • Removes pressure for political involvement in DA decisions
  • Provides for expert feedback on council planning controls and processes
  • Delivers a cost effective and timely resolution of controversial development applications

Reviewing the IHAP Committee Charter

At its meeting of 9 March 2015, Council considered a report on the review of Council’s IHAP charter. Council resolved that the Charter be amended and then placed on public exhibition.

This review has identified amendments to the IHAP Charter considered necessary to simplify the IHAP triggers and determination process (Sections 1 and 9), along with other housekeeping changes. Electronic meetings are also proposed for minor matters. The proposed changes are summarised below:

  • Refinement of IHAP triggers and determination process
  • Allowing for electronic meetings on minor matters
  • Recent changes to reflect ‘assumed concurrence’ from the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment
  • Minor housekeeping changes throughout document
  • Clarification of Panel recruitment process
The draft Amended Independent Hearing and Assessment (IHAP) Committee Charter is now available to download from the Document Library on this page. It includes mark-ups in the document, as this is how it was reported to Council and clearly outlines the proposed changes.

If you'd like to share your thoughts about it with Council, please read it then complete the feedback form below by Wednesday 27 May 2015.

Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP)

IHAP was introduced by Council in 2008 in line with ICAC recommendations, and has been periodically reviewed on four occasions from 2009-12. IHAP has been operating for over six years providing independent assessment of development applications (DA) and recommendations to Council before final determination. The IHAP has proven itself to be a robust process for the consideration of controversial and complex development proposals. It offers a range of benefits including:

  • An independent forum for consultation and decision making
  • Expert independent peer review of staff DA recommendations
  • Removes pressure for political involvement in DA decisions
  • Provides for expert feedback on council planning controls and processes
  • Delivers a cost effective and timely resolution of controversial development applications

Reviewing the IHAP Committee Charter

At its meeting of 9 March 2015, Council considered a report on the review of Council’s IHAP charter. Council resolved that the Charter be amended and then placed on public exhibition.

This review has identified amendments to the IHAP Charter considered necessary to simplify the IHAP triggers and determination process (Sections 1 and 9), along with other housekeeping changes. Electronic meetings are also proposed for minor matters. The proposed changes are summarised below:

  • Refinement of IHAP triggers and determination process
  • Allowing for electronic meetings on minor matters
  • Recent changes to reflect ‘assumed concurrence’ from the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment
  • Minor housekeeping changes throughout document
  • Clarification of Panel recruitment process
The draft Amended Independent Hearing and Assessment (IHAP) Committee Charter is now available to download from the Document Library on this page. It includes mark-ups in the document, as this is how it was reported to Council and clearly outlines the proposed changes.

If you'd like to share your thoughts about it with Council, please read it then complete the feedback form below by Wednesday 27 May 2015.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    IHAP Review Online Feedback

    Have your say about Council's draft amended IHAP Committee Charter. You'll need to login or sign up to provide feedback online. It's easy, just follow this link. Please read Council’s Privacy Notification before making your submission. 

    Consultation has concluded
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