Voice of Byron regular and former Byron Shire Councillor, Mike Watterson, says NSW Planning law changes are part of a plan to emasculate NSW Shire Councils.
Mike says, “After a brief read of the announced changes yesterday by the NSW State Government, it seems this is a further emasculation of Local Government powers.
“Basically the State Minister can override any number of agencies, including the Rural Fire Services.
“Also it seems that community members will in some cases be appointed to local planning decision making.
“Must be somewhat galling to sitting Councillors, who received a strong mandate/vote at the local elections.
“I guess one could ask if a community member were keen to be involved in the local planning, why did they not throw their hat into the ring at the recent elections and let the public judge them!”