Tamworth council: developer meeting register raises concerns about red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy

Concerns were raised that a public register of all conflabs would frighten off developers and create unnecessary red tape.

A workshop will be held between Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) planning and compliance director Gina Vereker and councillors to discuss options going forward.

Cr Helen Tickle said she felt the register represented just another level of bureaucracy that would slow down development.

"Why do we have to have it all on a register for heaven's sake, we're going to have to employ another one or two people just to manage this," she said.

"I'm not going to support this at all because I don't think we need it, we are transparent ... I see absolutely no need for it at all."

Discussions often include issues related to the size of a building, location, design, landscaping and road access.

Cr Tickle's sentiment was mirrored by councillors Juanita Wilson and Glenn Inglis, who agreed to support the workshop but were not prepared to make a definitive decision.

Cr Inglis said he would support an amendment to the motion because the original was too definitive.

"It's an important area and one where councils particularly in regional NSW have struggled," he said.

"That's the tricky bit, between getting an area that allows the conversation to be had ... it can be particularly tricky for the mayor and general manager because they have a lot of conversations that can be asked to be confidential early in the piece because they are looking to get a vibe for what could happen," he said.

"Let's workshop it and see if we can find that balance."

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Cr Wilson said the councillors need to be careful not to create the impression that constructive conversations with integrity and purpose don't happen.

"I must admit I was absolutely concerned when I read the initial proposal and notice of motion and I'm pleased it has been removed so we can have a sensible discussion about it," she said.

Cr Wilson said developers would not consider Tamworth if recorded discussions opened doors for competitors to have an edge.

The register was the brainchild of Cr Mark Rodda who felt a digital record of all conversations would promote honest decision-making.

"Impartiality in decision making must not only be seen to exist but must exist," he said. Councillors voted to have a workshop.

Editors note:

A story titled 'A tricky one' printed in Wednesday's Northern Daily Leader quoted Tamworth Regional councillor Helen Tickle as saying "for Christ's sake" in a council debate on developer meetings.

This was a mistake. Councillor Tickle actually said "for heaven's sake" as part of a discussion about a public register of all meetings involving the council staff and developers.

It is Cr Tickle's view that the council is already transparent in its discussions with developers and deals with applications openly and fairly.

Cr Tickle said the register would represent another level of bureaucracy that would slow down development.

"Why do we have to have it all on a register for heaven's sake, we're going to have to employ another one or two people just to manage this," she said.

The Leader apologises for the error.

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