Yesterday, the State Government announced that it is considering giving Ward Councillors (rather than full Council) the power to make Local Environmental Plans (LEPs)  for their Ward.

This was announced along with the news that the government would consult about stripping Councils of some of their powers for determining Development Applications.

Determining a DA is an operational activity. Councillors establish the rules then Council officers assess the DA and determine the vast majority of them.

Making a LEP is a strategic activity. The Local Government Act emphasises the role of Councillors to act strategically.

These moves have a distinct ‘rob Peter to pay Paul‘ flavour.