Environmental and Planning Approvals Symposium

2024 has seen significant reforms to both environmental and planning approval systems. On 11 October, McLeod Fisher & Hamdorf, in conjunction with Murdoch University, hosted a symposium, centered around environment and planning approvals during these times of change.

Three experts who formed the panel for the symposium: David McFerran, Kathy Bonus and Darren Foster.

David McFerran, of McFerran Advisory, provided an update on the lessons learnt in undertaking the recent Vogel-McFerran Review into the environmental approvals processes.

Kathy Bonus, Chief Planning Advisor at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, discussed recent planning reforms and improving the planning and assessment processes.

Darren Foster, currently a public policy, governance and strategy consultant with a global firm (following tenures in Commonwealth, State and local government leadership roles) presented on reforming culture within governmental agencies.

Glen McLeod, who Chaired the symposium, in thanking the speakers referred to a common theme in all presentations: the emphasis on the importance of culture within Governmental Approval bodies. Of note, was the importance of maintaining a culture of  co-operation between Departments and also with proponents. There was agreement that approval processes can be made more efficient, given the significant recent reforms in the areas of planning and environmental law.