A message from the Minister for Planning

We build houses to be homes for generations.

We plant trees to provide shade for people we will never meet.

We plan our city for continued community liveability.

We do this because communities are built on the lessons of the past, the needs of today and our hopes for the future.

All these concepts are rooted in one word: planning.

Planning is done by individuals, families, businesses and governments. That’s why the Malinauskas Government is delivering on our commitment to embark on a generational review of the Planning and Design Code and the laws and regulations by which it is governed.

We made a commitment during the 2022 election campaign to review the Code to enable “planning decisions that encourage a more liveable, competitive and sustainable long-term growth strategy”.

The review draws on clear messages sent by the community since the Code was established.

The expert panel’s review will address concerns raised in our consultations with industry groups and local communities, including:

• The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016;
• The Planning and Design Code (and related instruments) as it relates to infill policy, trees, character, heritage and car parking;
• The e-planning system with a view to ensuring that it is delivering an efficient and user-friendly process and platform; and
• The PlanSA Website with a view to ensuring its usability and access to information by the community.

The review will be conducted by an independent expert panel, under the leadership of Presiding Member John Stimson - a highly qualified urban geographer, town planner and project manager with over 35 years of experience. Mr Stimson has worked on a variety of significant land development projects, including Springwood, Burgundy Estate and Parkvale, Heights View and Heights View East.

Mr Stimson will be joined by expert panel members:

Ms Cate Hart – brings significant experience in the public and private sectors across a wide range of disciplines, including environmental management, community and stakeholder engagement, and strategic and development planning, heritage, and governance. Ms Hart’s previous roles include Chief Executive Officer of City of Prospect and Wakefield Regional Council. She is currently Executive Director, Environment Heritage and Sustainability for Department of Environment and Water, and President of the Planning Institute of Australia (SA).

Mr Andrew McKeegan – has considerable state government experience in the transport, property and planning portfolios. Mr McKeegan’s previous roles include Chief Development Officer for the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, in addition to operating his own consultancy specialising in integrated infrastructure and land use planning, urban development, project management and strategic planning. He is currently Executive Director, Transport Property for Department of Transport (VIC).

Ms Lisa Teburea - an experienced leader with expertise in aligning plans, policies and processes to strategic objectives and driving positive culture change at an industry level to support the implementation of reform programs. Ms Teburea’s previous roles include Executive Director, Public Affairs with Local Government Association (SA) and Director, Public Advisory of BRM Advisory. She is currently Executive Group Manager, Planning and Urban Policy with the ACT Government.

The Expert Panel will provide recommendations to enhance our Planning System that will be considered by the Government in 2023.

I thank members of the expert panel for their involvement, and encourage industry groups, practitioners, public and community groups to share their feedback and contribute to this important work.

Hon. Nick Champion MP

Minister for Planning