Planning applications a community concern

THE DELAY around planning applications was one of the most prominent issues brought to the South Gippsland Shire Mayor from the public in one-on-one consultations this month. 

In the second round of ‘Meet the Mayor’ sessions held by the Shire, Mayor Nathan Hersey is meeting with members of the public who wish to discuss or raise issues or concerns. It is a way for council to hear from those in the community who may not otherwise have the opportunity. 

“I can’t do the job if I don’t know what people are thinking. How do you meet the communities’ expectations if you don’t know what they expect.” 

The mayor stated that the overwhelming majority of concerns in the first session were based around the conditions of roads and paths in the shire, which council are reportedly responding to proactively.

This time around, community members have raised issues about delays around planning applications and how community groups can get information and support from council when accessing grants.  

Cr Hersey states that people’s concerns will be followed up by a council officer if its operational and followed up by council if its more strategic and, he has found that a lot of answers can be given on the day. 

He also stated that like a lot of other regional areas, councils have seen an influx of people of the past couple of years, and with that comes an influx of applications, causing delays. 

The sessions are proving popular with all time slots having been fully booked and priority is given to those who they haven’t met before or had a formal presentation from, but the mayor is happy to meet with everyone at least once. 

“It’s going really well and I definitely think it’s been received by the community in a positive way”. 

“And it’s, I suppose for this current group of councillors, a really big commitment that we made was to actively engage and participate in the community and consult with the community at every opportunity they can, and this is an extra.”

“It helps give us a really good understanding of what people are thinking and the overall that I’m getting is that the sentiment towards this council is quite positive.” 

Mayor Hersey will try to hold monthly face to face consultation and has also invited other councillors to be present if they have a particular interest in an issue. 

“It’s got to be a team sport,” Cr Hersey said. 

A public Facebook live session will be held on Wednesday, May 3. Check the council website for further details.