Grant District Mayor Richard Sage has expressed his concern that a newly formed panel has taken away elected members’ opportunity to advocate for residents.

Individual Assessment Panels operated by each of the region’s councils are no longer operational and have been disbanded in favour of a sole Regional Assessment Panel.

The newly formed Limestone Coast Southern Regional Assessment Panel comprises the City of Mount Gambier, Wattle Range Council and the district councils of Robe and Grant.

Mayor Sage took the opportunity to express concern to elected members during council’s ordinary meeting on Monday.

“My biggest concern is we did not have any input and decisions are being taken away from local councils’ hands,” he said.

“There is no ability for the elected members to advocate for anybody at all. I think we are losing our rights to make our own planning decisions.”

As of October 2017, every council was required to establish an assessment panel under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 to determine and make decisions on development applications.

However, in December last year the four local councils reached agreement and endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding, which was forwarded to the Minister for Planning to form the Regional Assessment Panel.

The Minister agreed to form the Limestone Coast Southern Regional Assessment Panel which officially started on July 1, with its inaugural meeting being held on August 10.

Expressions of interest were sought from members of the public to be considered for appointment as an independent member of the panel.

Five independent members of the panel are Mark Teakle as presiding member, Dr Jessica Porter, Meg Redman, Lamorna Alexander and Ian Von Stanke.

Meanwhile, Assessment Manager is Tracy Tzioutziouklaris from City Council.

Elected Grant District members will attend an information workshop in relation to the panel and Limestone Coast Regional Plan at a date yet to be determined.

A Regional Plans team has been established to work closely with all seven councils across the region in developing the Regional Plan.

Those seeking information in relation to a development application that has been assessed before July 1, 2022 can contact their local council.

Any information post July 1, 2022 will need to be referred to the Regional Assessment Panel.