Community planning services in Glenelg Shire Council : 1998-2005 ...

8 Executive summary
attempt to resolve contentious issues through a consultation
process with objectors, rather than issuing permits and
dealing with objections at VCAT
adequately support its decisions with a planning report that
fully addresses the requirements of the planning scheme
and relevant legislation.
14. That the council undertake a risk assessment of its planning
functions and include the results of this assessment in its riskmanagement
plan.
15. That:
the council finalise its current review process and submit its
second triennial review of its municipal strategic statement
to the Minister for Planning for approval as soon as possible
in future, the council more closely monitor and review the
operation of the planning scheme and be more proactive in
ensuring proposed necessary changes to the scheme are
made.
16. In future, the council should respond to any findings and
recommendations of its planning service reviews through
initiating appropriate changes to its procedures and practices.
17. That the council:
review its recently introduced initiatives and provide a
report to council members on the findings
consider implementing the planning process improvements
outlined in the performance improvement plan attached to
this report (Appendix A).
18. That the council ensure that:
staff have the appropriate skills, competencies and
knowledge to perform their planning and contract
management tasks
staff avail themselves of development activities to ensure
the continuous improvement of skills.
19. For future outsourced arrangements, council should:
ensure contracts include both quantitative and qualitative
performance measures
implement formal contract management procedures that
ensure regular contract performance reports are provided to
the chief executive officer and council as appropriate