Armidale Regional Council recognises community participation throughout the planning system is not only your right, it also delivers better planning results for the people of the Armidale Region.
Ultimately, Council has a responsibility, along with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, to deliver the objectives of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP & A Act) including the promotion of orderly and economic use of land, facilitating ecologically sustainable development and promoting social and economic wellbeing.
Community participation is an overarching term covering how Council will engage with the community in our work under the EP & A Act, including legislative reform, plan making and decisions on proposed development. The level and extent of community participation will vary depending on the community, the scope of the proposal under consideration and the potential impact of the decision.
The community includes anyone who is affected by the planning system and includes individuals, community groups, Aboriginal communities, peak bodies representing a range of interests, businesses, local government and State and Commonwealth government agencies.
Community Participation Plan (PDF 670.1KB)