Professional planning experts to play critical part of IHAPS

The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) has welcomed the appointment of experienced professional town planners to the new Independent Hearing Assessment Panels (IHAPS) being implemented across the greater Sydney and Wollongong regions.

Of the 41 chairs allocated to the IHAPS by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, 18 are accredited planners and PIA members.

The panels became operational on 1 March.

PIA chief executive David Williams said that many eminent NSW planners had been successful, who will bow help to grow the NSW government’s partnership with councils, local communities and environmental groups.

PIA represents over 5000 planners nationally, and each year engages with nearly 10,000 planners working in the public and private sectors.

Planners who are PIA members have undertaken accredited planning degrees and gained professional experience working in diverse areas of planning ranging from the neighbourhood to the national level.

They also adhere to a comprehensive Professional Code of Conduct.

Experienced planners understand the complexity of legislation that impacts Australia’s diverse urban environments and appreciate the critical role played by community in the planning process, Williams said.