Working-draft LEP
Starting from First Principles


first principlenoun

any axiom, law, or abstraction assumed and regarded as representing the highest possible degree of generalization.

The six points below represent the first principles that I view need to be considered and applied when developing fair and progressive town planning instruments for the Palerang community.

ONE - The LEP and DCP are the roadmaps to economic development and prosperity for the shire.  They indicate the willingness of the shire’s residents and their government for economic investment and on what terms – certain or risky, progressive or regressive. 

These documents indicate if the development and investment process will be clear and transparent with predictable outcomes, or obtuse and subjective where DA expenses and personal optimism may be lost after an unreasonable or drawn out assessment.

TWO - The LEP forms part of a 'town planning' contract between Council and the stakeholders of Palerang.  As such it needs to be unambiguous, fare, and easily enforceable by all parties.

A lay person should be able to read the documents and be able to reasonably determine if a work they wish to undertake is permissable and under what objective terms.

THREE - Given the climate variability we are experiencing and which is predicted to continue in the coming years, the LEP and DCP should provide for expansive primary industry value-add opportunities on agricultural lands, even where specialist value-add infrastructure is required. 

This includes agriculture produce industry, agri-tourism, livestock processing, cottage industry (like weaving), alternative electricity generating works,  as well as the type of uses already noted in the working-draft document.  

We also need to put out the welcome sign to other future industries of employment that are compatible with our lifestyle aspirations, such as government administration, information and technology work, and perhaps film and video production.

FOUR - Limitations on permissible use capacities should be relative to the size of properties and not a one size fits all number

For example in determining the upper limit for Bed & Breakfast or Farm Stay bedrooms, the number of accommodation spaces should reflect the size of the property and its potential to immerse visitors in the rural experience they seek.  For a 10 acre property this will be one number while for a 400 acre property it will be another.

FIVE - Council has no mandate from the electorate to cause them to loose money or equity, or to be burden with greater bureaucracy

a. The new LEP must not confiscate equity or uses rights that currently exist. 

b. The shire should not increase prohibitions or policable actions of its own accord.

c. Prohibitions or policable actions imposed locally by State legislation should remain with the State legislation and not duplicated or embellished in the LEP, except to acknowledge their overarching force.

SIX - The future isn’t waiting until we are ready for it.  It’s coming and changing with every breath we take. Palerang needs confident leadership that makes the shire’s planning instruments welcoming for new residents and business investors who recognise that economics, ecology, and human affinity are equal partners in creating a sustainable and worthwhile society.

8 March 2010

 
 

Copyright 2010 - Richard Graham