Cover-1 - Northern Territory Planning Commission · PDF fileFront Cover: Darwin, ... Purpose of this Report 4 Part 2 - ABOUT THE COMMISSION 6 Who we are ... NTPC Members From left

20122013ANNUAL REPORT

Front Cover: Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs

Northern Territory Planning CommissionGPO Box 1680Darwin NT 0801

Tel: 08 8924 7540

Email: [email protected]

ISSN: 2202-8218

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter to the Minister 2

Part 1 - COMMISSION OVERVIEW 3

Chairman’s Foreword 3

Operating Environment 4

Purpose of this Report 4

Part 2 - ABOUT THE COMMISSION 6

Who we are - Membership 6

What we do - Role of Planning Commission 7

Functions under the Planning Act 7

Arrangements with the Department of Lands,Planning and the Environment 9

Part 3 - STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 9

Key Stakeholders 10

Part 4 - PERFORMANCE REPORTING 11

Financial Snapshot 11

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 2012–2013 12

Establishment of theNorthern Territory Planning Commission 12

Tennant Creek - Land Use Framework andPlanning Principles 13

2012–13 Work Program 15

Part 5 - SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALSMINISTERIAL REFERRALS 22

Part 6 - APPENDICES 23

Appendix A - Members’ Biographies 23

Appendix B - Planning Commission Secretariat 30

Appendix C - Financial Snapshot 31

Planning Commission Annual Report 2012–13

Page 1


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Chairman’s Foreword

The new Northern Territory Planning Commission (‘the PlanningCommission’) commenced operations on 1 January 2013 followingan amendment to the Planning Act (‘the Act’) in late 2012. It is mygreat honour to have been appointed the inaugural Chairman andto be working with the nine other eminent members appointed. Theamended legislation clearly sets out the Planning Commission’s rolesand responsibilities and we have set our collective minds to thosetasks from day one.

With respect to our primary role of strategic land use planning, wehave within our first six months of operation instigated work on aDarwin Regional Land Use Plan, a Katherine Land Use Plan, a LandUse Framework for Tennant Creek, Alice Springs Central BusinessDistrict and an Area Plan for the Knuckey and Ironstone Lagoonsregion. We also commenced assessment of a significantdevelopment referred to the Planning Commission by the Minister, aswell as providing responses to the Minister on various requests foradvice.

I am very grateful for the substantial commitment shown by each ofthe Planning Commission’s members who have embraced their rolesand responsibilities with great enthusiasm. They bring a strong varietyof expertise to the Planning Commission and collectively have anexcellent understanding of the aspirations of Territorians.

Our work would not have progressed so well without the support ofthe Secretariat headed by Mr James Teh who has been with thePlanning Commission from day one. He was initially ably supportedby Ms Emily Heames and subsequently, Ms Jayne Fairnington. Theyhave all worked with great focus on the task at hand and I am verygrateful for their commitment and assistance to the PlanningCommission.

While the Planning Commission is an independent body, thelegislation requires resources to be provided by the Department ofLands, Planning and the Environment. In that regard I am extremelygrateful for the cooperation and assistance from everyone in thedepartment. Establishment of the Planning Commission was assistedgreatly by the former Chief Executive, Mr Ken Davies andsubsequently the incoming Chief Executive, Mr John Coleman. MsLeah Croke and Mr Fabio Finocchiaro have ensured theestablishment of the Planning Commission and work flow haveoccurred smoothly, and Mr Mark Meldrum and his planning teamhave responded superbly to the Planning Commission’s needs. Weare very grateful for the excellent relationship we have with all staff ofthe Department.

This inaugural Annual Report is part of a milestone for strategic landuse planning for the Northern Territory as the work detailed within thisreport is just the first stage of ensuring the Territory is well placed forthe exciting growth that lies ahead.


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PART 1COMMISSION OVERVIEW

Operating Environment

The Northern Territory covers approximately 1,352,000square kilometres (including the islands) with a populationof 236,900 as at December 2012.1 This area includes 15identified Remote Service Delivery sites, as part of theNational Partnership Agreement on Remote ServiceDelivery, and five Regional Centres of Alice Springs,Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Darwin.

The Planning Commission is bringing a renewed focus onstrategic planning for the Territory, one that enablessustainable growth of our cities and towns as great placesto live, and ensures that planning reflects the expectationsof the community.

Purpose of this Report

The purpose of this Annual Report is to report on theperformance of the Planning Commission during 2012-13against its functions outlined under sections 50A-D and 81A-ZA of the Act. Section 81Y requires the Chairperson to givethe Minister, a report by 31 October, on the performance ofthe Planning Commission against its functions during eachfinancial year. The Minister must table a copy of the reportin the Legislative Assembly within 6 sitting days after theMinister receives the report.

From 1 January to 30 June 2013, the Planning Commissionhas prioritised work on strategic land use planning in theTennant Creek, Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs regions.Key achievements and the current work program areoutlined in this report.

Demand for land across the industrial, commercial andresidential sectors is strong, creating a need for strategicland use planning as the Territory continues its robustgrowth. In 2007–08, Darwin’s net internal migration was 1.2%of its estimated residential population, which had droppedto -1.0% by 2010–11. Also in 2011, 14.8% of Darwin’s lowincome households were experiencing rental stress in 2011,and a further 9.5% were experiencing mortgage stress.2

These statistics provided Government with the impetus torevisit strategic land use planning into the future.

This context prompted the Government to establish a bodyto focus on strategic land use planning into the future. ThePlanning Commission was subsequently established inJanuary 2013.

Government has identified priorities relating to theexpansion of port facilities, a second heavy-duty rail lineand to develop Darwin as a gas hub. The PlanningCommission is committed to linking with the EconomicDevelopment Sub-Committee of Cabinet and will engagewith this body in relation to the strategic location oftransport corridors and infrastructure requirements, andconsult with stakeholders as required.


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2http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/mcu/soac/

1Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Demographics Statistics 2013 (Catalogue No 3103.0)

NORTHERN TERRITORYCOMMISSION OVERVIEW


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The Planning Commission develops strategic land useplans for the Northern Territory.

NTPC MembersFrom left to right: Dr Bill Freeland, Mr Graham Bailey, Mr Stuart Duncan, Dr Ken Johnson, Mr Denys Stedman,Mr Peter McQueenSeated: The Honourable Gary Nairn,Mrs Nicole Wheeler, Mr David McHugh, Dr Brian Reid

Who we are - Membership

The Planning Commission is comprised of the followingmembers representing industry and government who areappointed for two year periods. Current membershipincludes:

Chairman, Planning CommissionThe Honourable Gary Nairn

Chairman, Development Consent AuthorityMr Peter McQueen

Chairman, Heritage CouncilDr Brian Reid

Chairman, NT Environment Protection AuthorityDr Bill Freeland

Representative of the Local Government AssociationMr Stuart Duncan

Any other members to a maximum of fiveMr Denys StedmanDr Ken JohnsonMr David McHughMrs Nicole WheelerMr Graham Bailey

Appendix A outlines the biographies of the Chairman andmembers.

PART 2ABOUT THE COMMISSION


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What we do - Role of Planning Commission

The Planning Commission has two roles:

● the primary role is to develop strategic plans and planning policy, and engage with the community; and

● the secondary role is to provide advice on significant developments.

With the assistance of the Department of Lands, Planningand the Environment, the Planning Commission isprogressing future land use in the Territory.

Functions under the Planning Act

Functions of the Planning Commission include thepreparation of integrated strategic plans, assessment ofsignificant developments, and reviewing the NT PlanningScheme. The Planning Commission also conducts researchand provides reports to the Minister on future land use anddevelopment in the Territory, taking into account projectedeconomic, social and demographic changes. The two keyroles of the Planning Commission are:

1. THE PRIMARY ROLEThe primary role is to prepare integrated strategic plans inconsultation with the community. These plans may identifyfuture transport corridors, utility corridors and sites foressential facilities including communication, water andpower supply, gas and similar condensates, effluenttreatment and regional waste, public and socialinfrastructure.

The Commission may provide guidance through masterplans on where and how communities or urban areasshould grow. Section 81K(3) sets out matters the PlanningCommission may include in the master plans such as maps,policy statements and objectives relating to housing,transport, economic development, the environment, openspace or conservation.

2. THE SECONDARY ROLEThe secondary role of the Planning Commission is to provideadvice to the Minister on significant development proposalsor other matters as directed. Significant developments aredefined as those that would have a significant impact on:

● strategic planning or land use in the Territory;

● the natural environment or existing amenity; and/or

● land, adjoining land or other areas of land including downstream of the development.

Consistent with section 81D of the Act, the PlanningCommission must perform its functions and exercise itspowers independently, impartially and in the public interest.A declaration of a conflict of interest by members is soughtat each meeting. In the event that a conflict of interestarises, affected members must not take party an anydeliberation or decision of the Planning Commission aboutthe matter.


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The processes for the developing strategic plans and policies, and advising on significantdevelopment proposals.

Arrangements with the Department of Lands,Planning and the Environment

Under section 81E of the Act, the Chief Executive of theDepartment of Lands, Planning and the Environment mustprovide the Planning Commission with staff and facilities toenable it to properly exercise its power and perform itsfunctions.

The Department also provides professional and technicaladvice to the Planning Commission, and implements itsdecisions. Appendix B outlines the duties of the PlanningCommission Secretariat.

Section 81B(d) of the Act requires the Planning Commissionto carry out community consultation before preparing theplans, guidelines and assessment criteria.

Community engagement activities have been a majorcomponent of the Planning Commission business during itsinaugural year. Issues canvassed during communityengagement include the economy, demographics, theenvironment, sustainability, urban and rural living, resources,infrastructure, current and future zonings, Indigenous landuse and financial implications for Government. Other issuesfor consideration include land constraints such as aircraftnoise and water-related issues, and competing interestsbetween land developers and land owners.

Community consultation methods and activities will include:

● land use forums conducted within regions● public displays at major community events● seeking public comment via the website● providing updates on the website● face to face meetings with the Chairman● radio interviews by the Chairman● release of media statements as required● sending of letters or emails to stakeholders and● providing advice to the Minister.


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PART 3STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Key Stakeholders

Key stakeholders of the Planning Commission includeanyone with an interest in land use planning, including:

● Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment● Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and Territory

Parliament● Economic Development Sub-Committee of Cabinet● Federal and Territory Government agencies● local government councils● Indigenous land councils● land owners● environmental groups● community groups● surveyors● property developers● architects● engineers● builders● town planning consultants● real estate industry● other specialist associations, business or community

groups whose charter relates to land use planning and development, architecture, or land ownership.

●


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Professor Lawrence Nield was engaged by theDepartment of Lands, Planning and the Environment asthe NT Government Architect in January 2013 to provideexpert architectural advice on urban design and the builtform across the Territory. Professor Nield is working withthe Planning Commission to develop an urbandensification strategy, and on the inclusion of guidelinesandassessment criteria into the NT Planning Scheme.

By seeking community input at the beginning of theplanning process, production of land use plans and areaplans more accurately reflect the local view on land use ineach region.

Financial Snapshot

In the 2012–13 Mini-Budget, the Territory Governmentallocated $800,000 to the Department of Lands, Planningand the Environment to fund the Planning Commission todevelop strategic plans and planning policy, and to adviseon significant developments.

From 1 January to 30 June 2013, the Planning Commissionhad expended $344,193 or 43% of its budget.

The 2012–13 Annual Report for the Department of Lands,Planning and the Environment shows expenditure of$509,000 for the Planning Commission through the PlanningCommission Secretariat. This figure includes the cost ofproviding administrative resources to the Commission.A budget of $801,000 has been allocated in 2013–14.

Appendix C provides a closer look at the expenditure of thePlanning Commission.


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PART 4PERFORMANCE REPORTING


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Key achievements of the Planning Commission include itslegislative establishment under the Act, and theincorporation of the Tennant Creek Land Use Frameworkand Planning Principles into the NT Planning Scheme.

Establishment of the Northern Territory PlanningCommission

As previously stated, on 1 January 2013, the PlanningCommission was established through an amendment to thePlanning Act to drive strategic land use planning, and toguide the Territory’s long-term growth in an independentand impartial manner. Members are appointed for twoyear terms and include the Chairs of the Heritage Council,the Environment Protection Authority and the DevelopmentConsent Authority, along with a representative of the LocalGovernment Association and five other members, all ofwhom are appointed by the Minister.

Establishment of the Planning Commission is aimed toprovide a more proactive approach to integration throughthe linking with the NT Environment Protection Authority,Development Consent Authority, Heritage Council andlocal government.

In the past six months, the Planning Commission has metfour times, achieving significant progress on strategic landuse planning in the Tennant Creek and Katherine regions. Acomprehensive work plan has been developed, which willbe a dynamic document as progress is made on manyfronts.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS2012–13

The Tennant Creek Land use Framework and PlanningPrinciples, gazetted on 26 June 2013.


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The Planning Commission has developed a work plan thatincludes strategic land use plans to cater for growth,facilitate infill development through planning controls, andto address housing affordability. A snapshot of the workprogram is outlined below. Work commenced on theseprojects during 2012–13.

Darwin Regional Land Use Plan

OUR ROLEDevelop a regional land use plan to strategically plan forthe future of the Darwin region.

STATUSThe Darwin Region is a major focus for the PlanningCommission and a Land Use Plan is currently underdevelopment. The Commission agreed to include theCoomalie and Finniss sub-regions within the DarwinRegional Land Use Plan.

The Commission is reviewing a number of reports andstudies, including the Darwin Regional Land Use StructurePlan 1990 and a discussion paper released in 2010.Consideration will be given to future infrastructurerequirements for gas and port projects around Middle Armand Blaydin Point along with land availability in the DarwinCentral Business District, Berrimah, Palmerston, East Arm,Litchfield and Cox Peninsula.

The City of Darwin and the Department of Transport will beconsulted to ensure consistency between the Council’sCentral Business District Master Plan and its work on corridorlinks.

A Briefing Note on the Darwin Region will be published inJuly 2013 for early public comment.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS2012–13 WORK PROGRAM

The study area forthe DarwinRegional LandUse Plan.


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2012–13 WORK PROGRAMKnuckey and Ironstone Lagoons localityRequest for advice on planning matters

OUR ROLEDevelop an Area Plan.

STATUSIn February 2013, the Minister requested an investigation ofissues associated with development around KnuckeyLagoons in order to develop an Area Plan.

Consideration is being given to previous papers preparedand on constraints within the area including the lagoonsand the area’s proximity to the airport.

Community engagement is underway, and includes theconduct of land use forums with local landowners and anopen display at the Darwin Show to seek input from thepublic on future land use in this area. A Discussion Paperwas released to the public for comment on 19 June 2013.

A Summary Report responding to comments received willalso be publicly released.


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The cover page of the Discussion Paper.

2012–13 WORK PROGRAM

Berrimah FarmRequest for advice on planning matters

OUR ROLEPrepare strategic plan, including guidelines and assessmentcriteria.

STATUSIn June 2013, the Minister requested preparation of anintegrated strategic plan, including guidelines andassessment criteria, suitable for inclusion in the NT PlanningScheme. The Planning Commission will consider previousresearch, studies and reports prepared, along withcontamination and environmental audits conducted.Options to treat or remediate the contaminated land willbe better informed by understanding future use.

The Planning Commission is also considering futuredevelopment of surrounding areas. Consultation with thecommunity and stakeholders is planned. Options onBerrimah Farm will need to be developed in the context ofthe Darwin Regional Land Use Plan.


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The study area for Berrimah Farm.

2012–13 WORK PROGRAMKatherine

OUR ROLEDevelop and implement a land use plan.

STATUSConsiderable work has been conducted to date on thefuture land use planning for Katherine. A number ofsignificant developments are planned for the Katherineregion, so it is important that forward strategic planning is inplace as soon as possible.

A Discussion Paper was released to the public for commenton 14 June 2013. A Summary Report responding tocomments received will also be publicly released.

The Planning Commission is currently implementing acomprehensive community engagement process to seeklocal input into future land use options for the Katherineregion.

The assistance of the Katherine Chamber of Commerceand Katherine Town Council in informing the Katherinecommunity of the Commission’s request for input has beeninvaluable.


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The cover page of the Consultation Paper.

Hon. Gary Nairn presenting the Mayor ofKatherine, Mrs Fay Miller with theConsultation Paper.


Alice Springs

OUR ROLEReview planning controls relating to the Central BusinessDistrict, including consolidating five existing area plans intoa single comprehensive Area Plan.

Review development provisions including building heights,car parking and building design.

STATUSThe Planning Commission is reviewing planning controlsrelating to the Alice Springs Central Business District,including the consolidation of five existing Area Plans into asingle comprehensive Area Plan.

The Commission will review development provisionsincluding building heights, car parking options and buildingdesign before seeking public comment to a discussionpaper, which is currently under preparation.

Subject to the outcomes of consultation, an Area Plan willthen be submitted to the Minister.


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Aerial image of Alice Springs.


Hughes and Noonamah District CentresSignificant development proposal

OUR ROLEProvide a significant development report to the Ministerpursuant to section 50B(5) of the Act.

STATUSIn February 2013, the Minister for Lands, Planning and theEnvironment requested a significant development reportwithin the context of a land use plan for the Darwin region.

The proposal identified residential, community andcommercial uses to serve a potential population ofapproximately 33,000 and a tourist related development.The area includes a number of significant heritage sites,including the Hughes Airfield and historic anti-aircraftinstallations, and significant drainage areas associated withthe Elizabeth River.

The Planning Commission will consult with the proponentsand stakeholders including the local government councilfor the area prior to reporting back to the Minister. Of noteis the request for an assessment by the NT EnvironmentProtection Authority to determine if an environmentalimpact assessment is required.

Urban Densification Strategy

OUR ROLEDevelop an urban densification strategy for the NorthernTerritory.

STATUSUrban densification is an important planning matter thatrecognises the need for people to be able to accessemployment opportunities without spending significant timetravelling. Linking people with jobs via transport corridors inthe most economical and sustainable way is goodplanning. To do that requires a close look at urbandensification.

The Planning Commission is consulting widely as it developsa strategy for urban areas across the Northern Territory.Consideration is being given to locations suitable fordensification and those where limited growth can beexpected. The strategy will include reference to housingaffordability objectives and advice on infill developmentopportunities and associated policies.

The NT Government Architect is also providing expertadvice on this body of work.


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Old Darwin Hospital and Flagstaff Hill Park sitesRequest for advice on planning matters

OUR ROLEProvide advice to Government on future developmentoptions and prepare a concept plan.

STATUSIn April 2013, the Minister requested a review of existingmaster plans developed by the previous government in thecontext of urban densification in the inner suburbs ofDarwin, and to report back to the Minister onredevelopment options.

The Planning Commission will consider constraints to the site,the need to refresh investigative studies, and a suitablecommunity consultation method as part of finalising themaster planning and development options.

A draft Concept Plan and a report explaining designrationale are under preparation.

Nightcliff IslandSignificant development proposal

OUR ROLEProvide a significant development report to the Ministerpursuant to section 50B(5) of the Act.

STATUSIn May 2013, the Planning Commission was requested toprepare a significant development report in relation to aprivate development proposal for a stand-alone waterfrontcommunity.

The Planning Commission will consult with the Departmentof Lands, Planning and the Environment and the proponentbefore reporting back to the Minister.


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Old Darwin Hospitaland Flagstaff Hill

Park Sites.

A significant development proposal is one that maysignificantly impact on the strategic planning of theTerritory, its natural environment, or the existing amenity ofland or adjoining land as defined under section 50A of theAct. The Minister has the power under the Act to refersignificant development proposals to the PlanningCommission for assessment.

When assessing a significant development proposal, theCommission must consider the objects of the Act, and thesignificant development report must identify and giveadvice about the possible impacts of the proposal on futureland use and development in the Territory.

To ensure there is no conflict of interest for the Chairman ofthe Development Consent Authority, section 81M(1) statesthe Chairman of the Development Consent Authority mustnot take any part in the Planning Commission’sconsideration of a significant development proposal or thepreparation of a significant development report in relationto the proposal, unless the proposal relates to adevelopment for which the Minister is the consent authority.

Since its inception in January 2013, the following significantdevelopment proposals were referred by the Minister forLands, Planning and the Environment for consideration,along with three requests for advice on planning matters.The significant development proposals and planningmatters are outlined below.

Further advice on the progress of these projects is includedin the Work Program.

Significant Development Proposals

1. Hughes and Noonamah District Centres development proposal

2. Nightcliff Island development proposal

Referrals for advice on planning matters

1. Knuckey and Ironstone Lagoons locality

2. Old Darwin Hospital and Flagstaff Hill Park site development

3. Berrimah Farm

PART 5SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTPROPOSALS AND MINISTERIALREFERRALS


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Chairman of the Planning CommissionThe Honourable Gary Nairn

The Honourable Gary Nairn is the Chairman of the NorthernTerritory Planning Commission.

Gary holds a Bachelor of Surveying from the University ofNew South Wales and is an Honorary Fellow of the Surveyingand Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI). He has a backgroundin land surveying and mapping and is a Licensed Surveyor.

He lived in the Northern Territory for 15 years during the 1980sand 1990s. During this time, he was involved in theplanning and design of key developments includingBayview, Palmerston, Cullen Bay and Katherine East.

Gary currently operates his own consultancy businessspecialising in business development, spatial informationand property matters. He is also Chair of the TasmanianSpatial Information Council (TASSIC), Chairman of theSpatial Industries Business Association (SIBA), and aGraduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors(GAICD).

From 1996 to 2007, Gary was the member representing theNew South Wales electorate of Eden-Monaro in theAustralian House of Representatives. As the ParliamentarySecretary to Prime Minister John Howard from 2004 to 2006,Gary was responsible for water reform and the Science,Engineering and Technology Unit. From January 2006 toDecember 2007, he served as Special Minister of State,which included responsibilities for Ministerial andParliamentary Services, the Australian GovernmentInformation Management Office, Australian ElectoralCommission, Defence Housing Australia, Australian RailTrack Corporation and Film Australia.

Gary also held the position of Chair on a number ofparliamentary committees. In 2003, he was Chair of theSelect Committee Inquiry into the Recent AustralianBushfires. In 2002, he was Chair of the House ofRepresentatives Standing Committee on Science andInnovation. In 2000, he was Chair of the House ofRepresentatives Procedures Committee and in 1997, Chairof the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters.

APPENDIX AMEMBERS’ BIOGRAPHIES


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Ex-Officio MemberMr Peter McQueen

MEMBERS’ BIOGRAPHIES

Mr Peter McQueen is currently the Chairman of theDevelopment Consent Authority and has been since 2006.Peter has practiced as a solicitor in Darwin since 1980, andhas had his own practice since 1983, McQueen’s Solicitors.

Peter has, over the years, been involved in theadministration of various community organisations includingthe Larrakeyah Primary School Council, Darwin RugbyLeague, Darwin Turf Club and the Darwin Festival.

Ex-Officio MemberDr Brian Reid

Dr Reid is the Chairman of the Heritage Council and a long-term Darwin resident who has raised his family here. He is aMedical Practitioner and has been in practice with his wife,Dr Lyn Reid, for many years.

Brian is a historian and a member of the Northern Territorybranch of the Professional Historians’ Association.

He is currently President of the Historical Society of theNorthern Territory.


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Ex-Officio MemberDr Bill Freeland


Dr Bill Freeland is the Chairman of the EnvironmentalProtection Authority. Bill holds a Masters Degree in Sciencefrom the University of Queensland, and a PhD in Zoologyfrom the University of Michigan.

During his career, Dr Freeland has published over 50scientific papers and conducted consultancy work in thefields of conservation management, environmentalimpacts, waste management, ecologically sustainabledevelopment and tourism development.

Dr Freeland recently worked as an EnvironmentalConsultant working with business and industry inenvironmental management in the Northern Territory. Hehas over 20 years’ experience in research andmanagement roles with the Parks and Wildlife Commissionof the Northern Territory, including working with thecommunity and has held the positions of Director with theParks and Wildlife Commission, and Director ofConservation Strategy with the Queensland Government.

Dr Freeland has spent 30 years of his career in the NorthernTerritory, which has given him an extensive understandingand appreciation of the issues relevant to regional areasand the indigenous community. He has considerableknowledge and understanding of environmental issues inthe Territory.

Bill has represented the Territory on various nationalenvironmental groups including the National StandingCommittee for Water, Land and Biodiversity, NaturalResource Management Ministerial Council, and theStanding Committee to the Australian and New ZealandEnvironment Council.


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Nominated Representative ofLocal Government Associationof the Northern TerritoryMr Stuart DuncanKatherine


Mr Stuart Duncan was appointed as Chief Executive Officerof the Victoria Daly Shire Council in 2012. He is originallyfrom North Queensland. Previously, he worked as the ChiefExecutive of the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Councilin Queensland.

Stuart has worked in remote communities throughout hiscareer. He was a member of the Queensland LocalGovernment Grants Commission from 2010 to 2012.

Stuart is the nominated representative of the LocalGovernment Association under section 81F(e) of thePlanning Act.

Mr Graham BaileyDarwin

Mr Graham Bailey brings extensive planning experience,particularly strategic planning throughout the NorthernTerritory.

He is a former Senior Planner with the former Department ofInfrastructure, Planning and the Environment. Mr Baileybrings a strong understanding of strategic planning in theNorthern Territory, with the ability to recognise and respondto long-term opportunities and challenges.

He is a Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.


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Other Five Members of Planning Commission

Mr David McHugh is an Engineer and currently a ProjectDirector with Thinc Projects.

Mr McHugh has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. He is also aChartered Professional Engineer, Fellow of the Institute ofEngineers Australia, and Fellow of the Australian Institute ofProject Management. Dave was previously the ChiefExecutive of the Department of Transport and Works, andhas worked in the public sector on a wide range of projects,including infrastructure, subdivision developments and newwildlife parks.

Dave has also represented the Northern TerritoryGovernment on national committees and provided high-level policy advice on transport issues relating to theTerritory.

Mr David McHughDarwin


Mrs Nicole Wheeler is an Interior Designer with her ownbusiness specialising in interior design for commercial andresidential projects. She was born and raised in theNorthern Territory.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in InteriorArchitecture from Charles Darwin University.

Nicole brings a strong understanding of the local cultureand tropical environment, finding appropriate andsustainable solutions for clients to address their needs, andhow to occupy their spaces.

Mrs Nicole WheelerDarwin


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Dr Ken Johnson is a former executive within the NorthernTerritory Government and is currently the Principal of DesertConnections.

Ken has a Doctorate in Philosophy and Bachelor of RuralScience (Hons) from the University of New England. He alsoholds the Order of Australia, Member in the General Division(2008).

Ken came to the Northern Territory to work as a WildlifeResearch Scientist in 1978 and worked with traditional landowners to document the flora and fauna of CentralAustralia. As Parks and Wildlife Regional Director from 1991,he was responsible for the southern region of the NorthernTerritory, where he established the Desert KnowledgePrecinct and Desert Wildlife Park. He was also the ChiefExecutive Officer of Desert Knowledge Australia from 2002to 2006.

Dr Johnson brings extensive regional knowledge that willbe vital for the Planning Commission’s work.

Dr Ken JohnsonAlice Springs


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Mr Denys Stedman is a Chartered Accountant andManaging Partner of KPMG Darwin.

Denys holds a Bachelor of Business. He is also a Fellow,Institute of Chartered Accountant, Certified PracticingAccountant, Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia andGraduate Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Since coming to Darwin in 1979, Mr Stedman has engagedin public practice advising many organisations regardingbusiness planning and strategy development. He hasextensive exposure through dealings with clients in thebuilding and construction, pastoral, property andprofessional service industries.

Denys brings extensive business experience in NorthernTerritory, financial and economic credentials, and strongcommunity links.

Mr Denys StedmanDarwin



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The Department of Lands, Planning and the Environmentprovides high level administrative and secretariat support tothe Planning Commission.

Key responsibilities include:

● assist with day to day management of the Planning Commission.

● provide accurate and timely information to the PlanningCommission to assist them in providing advice and recommendations to the Minister for Lands, Planning andthe Environment.

● provide governance advice and expertise to the Planning Commission Chair and Members. Carry out general and specific instructions of the Planning Commission, as required.

● assist members to conduct themselves in accordance with the Planning Act, particularly in relation to declaration of conflicts of interest.

● set annual schedule of Planning Commission meetings, set agendas, provide meeting papers.

● prepare outcome reports with recommendations agreedat the Planning Commission meetings, or out of session, tobe signed off by the Chairman and referral to the Ministerfor Lands and Planning.

● ensure efficient information flows to the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment, the Chair and all Planning Commission Members.

● attend to public or stakeholder requests regarding the Planning Commission, as required.

APPENDIX BPLANNING COMMISSIONSECRETARIAT


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In the 2012–13 Mini-Budget, the Northern TerritoryGovernment allocated $0.8M for the Planning Commissionto develop strategic plans and planning policy, and toadvise on significant developments. The Commission wasformally established on 1 January 2013 under the PlanningAct.

From 1 January to 30 June 2013, the Commission’s actualexpenditure totalled $344,193, which includes the cost toestablish the Planning Commission.

Note: The 2012–13 Annual Report for the Department of Lands, Planningand the Environment shows expenditure of $509,000 for the PlanningCommission Secretariat.

Footnotes: 1. Employee expenses include the salary for the Chairman of the

Planning Commission. Staffing costs for the Planning Commission Secretariat are managed within the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment’s budget.

2. Sitting fees are set in Administrator’s Determination – Statutory Bodies Classification Structure under the Assembly Members and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Act.

3. Refers to payments made to members for work outside of meetings and to consultants who provide advice to the Commission.

4. Includes the cost to establish the website to communicate the Planning Commission’s work to the public, and to provide a means for the public to provide feedback on strategic plans and planning policies.

Financial Snapshot 2012–2013

Planning Commission 2012–13 Actual Expenditure ($)

Expenses - Employee1 181 369Expenses - Operational 162 824

Total expenditure $ 344 193

Sitting Fees2 20 135Work Requested3 53 725Travel Fares 45 470Accommodation 9 104Travel Allowance 6 815Vehicle Expenses 7 790Meeting Costs 1 055Marketing/Advertising4 11 785I.T./Communications 5 615Office Requisites 1 330

Total operational expenditure $ 162 824

APPENDIX CFINANCIAL REPORT 2012–13


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Documents

Cover-1 - Northern Territory Planning Commission · PDF fileFront Cover: Darwin, ... Purpose of this Report 4 Part 2 - ABOUT THE COMMISSION 6 Who we are ... NTPC Members From left