Crossroads for Local Government Planning?

The release of the IBAC report - Operation Sandon into matters at the City of Casey has landed this week with a huge impact.

The findings of the report are compelling regarding corruption in Planning by two former Councillors at Casey City Council and property developers.

Are we again at a crossroads in Local Government Planning, in Victoria, as a result of this report?

Operation Sandon special report | IBAC

The State Government will now consider the report and decide what changes to make to the Planning System.

The Planning system in my view needs reform. This is an opportunity now to consider those critical reforms that are required.

Local Government should be engaged in discussions and considerations by the State around the response to this report.

Planners, including those in Local Government, should be engaged in this process of review. Planners can provide independent and highly professional advice to assist positive outcomes.

We will all eagerly await the reponse from the State Government in early 2024 and in the meantime dig deeper to understand the implications for Local Government and their communities.