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• Independent review panel and reports

Independent review panel and reports

Cowra review panel report

The Independent Review Panel appointed by Minister Sartor to review certain planning matters in Cowra Shire has finalised its report and provided its recommendations to the Minister.

The Independent Review Panel, chaired by barrister Adrian Galasso, was appointed in December last year to investigate and advise the Minister on:

• A proposed interim amendment to the Cowra Local Environmental Plan (LEP);
• Possible planning errors made by Cowra Shire Council;
• What actions the Government should take to address planning issues in Cowra Shire; and
• The appropriateness of current actions being undertaken by Cowra Shire Council in supporting the orderly and sustainable development of the Cowra area.

The Panel received written submissions from a total of 60 parties and held a public forum in Cowra at which 19 interested parties presented their arguments.

• Department of Planning's submission

The Panel reported to the Minister in March and its report is available below:

• Cowra review panel report

The Panel’s principal recommendations are that:

1. Cowra LEP 1990 (Amendment 14) be made as a matter of priority with a minimum lot size of 400ha inserted at clauses 12(3) and 17A(b).
2. On balance, no further action be taken with respect to planning consents given by the Cowra Shire Council that may be uncertain.
3. Cowra Shire Council be urged to publish and/or republish section 101 notices with respect to planning consents given by the Council that may be uncertain.

In addition, the Panel is of the view that the current actions being taken by Cowra Shire Council to ensure that orderly and sustainable development of the Cowra Shire are appropriate, subject to periodic review.

• Media release announcing Minister Sartor's decision to amend the Cowra LEP in line with the Panel’s recommendation