This audit required a review of 10 planning permit applications, which had been subject to either Section 52 (advertising) or Section 55 (referrals). This smaller sample was in response to our former audit with VAGO in 2007 and our experience in identifying compliance and high risk issues from other audits.  A review of planning scheme amendments was also conducted (3 files).

The audit also included a review of staff resources and interviews with Customer service, staff and development/planning consultants was also conducted.

Shepparton had also gained a number of new Councillors after the November elections and interviews with all Councillors on an individual basis was also conducted. This was conducted due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of planning law by the new Councillors, whilst the relationships between Councillors and officers had become strained over a 2-3 year period. This audit examined this issue in detail in conjunction with the recent amendments to the Local Government Act (November 2008) and the various ombudsman reports into local government over the past 3 years.

Revision to the level of delegation (100%) were made and the adoption of the DHP process of the Greater City of Geelong were recommended to provide a greater level of interaction and decision making between planning staff and Councillors. These recommendations have now been implemented.