Into the swamps of the current system, or a clear view of where to go?

The minutes of this committee do not demonstrate an intention to fundamentally review the 'everywhere-will-look-the-same' system, which was devised by the previously captured government to make it difficult to plan for places, instead restoring standard land use zoning and facilitating development by producers of project homes, fast food outlets and other standard can-fit-anywhere urban products.

The Standard LEP, against which there is such community reaction, is the end product of a bad planning system and dysfunctional legislation. A proper review of the Planning system cannot just pass it off to an in-house committee.

Departmental Capture?

Unfortunately, thus far it appears the location in and staffing by the planning department, have unduly influenced the Review.

In fairness to the Reviewers, in their covering letter to the Minister they state that the Issues paper:

"Merely reflects the issues raised during the consultations - it does not seek to set the vision or details of the new simplified planning system you (theMinister) have asked us to produce."

However, the responses to the questions posed will be considered in drafting a Green Paper, to be provided by April, with a view to legislation in the Spring Session. Much effort will be put into responding to the 238 questions when there could have been a much shorter list directed at the key underlying policy issues.

With a bill expected in nine months there is very little time to drag oneself out of the swamps of complexities presented by the current Issues paper with its 238 questions and get oneself in a position to put forward fundamental arguments for change.

Sounds like fiddling at the margin is the more likely outcome from this Review.