Top Tips from Highly Performing Councils

Following the release of the Benchmarking Local Governments Report, the Property Council sat down with City of Melville CEO Shayne Silcox discuss why they think they performed so well and what other councils can take out of it.  

Why do you think your local council performed so well?

Back in 2007 the City of Melville began working on our community plan, before it was mandated that every council had to do so. Our city understands what it needs to do to reach our infill targets but we must do it in a way that adds value to the community rather than detract from it.

While preparing our community plan we had to ensure it linked through to state policy. Ultimately we were ahead of the game; we are now on the next generation of planning reports while other councils are working on their first.

What steps were taken to ensure successful planning outcomes?

We actively engaged and informed the public and translated that feedback to our planning staff. We created multiple place specific plans to give the public as much detail as possible.  We worked closely with the Department of Planning and followed up and pushed our case regularly to get things done.

How will you work with industry in the future to create a vibrant community?

The key is to join the dots. Developers have their wants and need and the community has their desires, we must like the two by creating different types of centres in sites that are appropriate.  Citizens want a diverse range of housing options, if we can align the outcomes then its win for citizens and developers. In Melville we ensure we get the best quality development that really adds value to the city.

What would be your advice to other council looking to improve their planning performance?

Select the best staff, and build a culture through the city to embrace the ideas of the new planning scheme.

Start working early and keep persisting with the authorities and really push your case.

Engage early and engage often.

What were the biggest hurdles during the process?

The vacuum in community for the need for higher density housing. We needed an urgent culture change to bring community along for the ride.  The government processes could be very convoluted but we did have great support from the Department of Planning.

Perth is transitioning from a small city to a big one and we are experiencing the natural growing pains that comes with that. The community must be constantly informed and engaged with as this transition occurs. 

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