❓ Hon Murray Criddle questions the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development about escalating legal costs incurred by the Shire of Busselton in planning disputes and whether the government has a policy to protect ratepayers from unreasonable legal expenses caused by local authorities. The Minister's response defends the autonomy of local government in planning decisions.
AnsweredQoN 980Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware of the dramatic escalation in the legal costs incurred by the Shire of Busselton in respect of disputed planning and development matters?
(2) Has the Government a policy designed to ensure that ratepayers are not put to the expense of asserting or defending, at law, unreasonable positions put by local authorities?
(2) Has the Government a policy designed to ensure that ratepayers are not put to the expense of asserting or defending, at law, unreasonable positions put by local authorities?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
8 August 2003
Responded by
Minister for Local Government and Regional Development
Response time
42 days
(1) The increase in costs associated with planning and development matters relates to two matters. The most costly of these was a Supreme Court action brought against the Shire. The Shire employs a solicitor who deals with most appeal matters.
(2) Local governments make planning and development decisions within the scope of their town planning schemes and policies. The Government does not interfere in that democratic process.
(2) Local governments make planning and development decisions within the scope of their town planning schemes and policies. The Government does not interfere in that democratic process.
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