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

2.3.1 Conduct of the audit
Victoria’s planning system 19
The council’s planning services have been subject to several reviews over
the past 8 years, including:
1998 review of the council’s planning scheme by a panel appointed by
the Minister for Planning
2003 Best Value review of planning services conducted by the council in
line with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989
2004 internal review of planning function and delegations
2004 legal review of the planning contractor’s performance.
We examined the findings and reports of each of these reviews.
We also examined the council’s municipal strategic statement, planning
scheme, planning services contract delegation authority, the contract for
the external provision of planning services, a selection of planning files,
planning policies, procedures and correspondence.
We spoke with all current and some past councillors, senior council staff,
the internal town planner, the planning contractor, local developers,
engineers, surveyors, building contractors, valuers, associated government
and regulatory agencies (including the Department of Sustainability and
Environment, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and Heritage Victoria),
community members and representatives of community organisations.
WHK Day Neilson and the Victorian Government Solicitor provided
specialist assistance and advice to the audit team.
The audit was performed in accordance with Australian auditing
standards. The cost of the audit was $180 000. This cost includes staff time,
overheads, expert advice and printing.