Joint Regional Planning Panels consist of five members:
Three State-appointed independent experts
- Members to have expertise in one or more of the following fields: planning, architecture, heritage, the environment, urban design, land economics, traffic and transport, law, engineering, tourism or government and public administration
- Two council appointed panellists from each local government area in the six regions.
- One member to have expertise in one or more of the following fields: planning, architecture, heritage, the environment, urban design, land economics, traffic and transport, law, engineering or tourism.
The state-appointed panellists are:
Sydney East: John Roseth (Chair), David Furlong and Mary-Lynne Taylor, with Julie Savet Ward and Timothy Moore as the alternates
Sydney West: Janet Thompson (Chair), Bruce McDonald and Paul Mitchell, with Stuart McDonald and Lindsay Fletcher as alternates
Hunter and Central Coast: Garry Fielding (Chair), Jason Perica and Kara Krason, with John Colvin and Bob McCotter as alternates
Northern Region: Garry West (Chair), Pamela Westing and John Griffin, with Bruce Clarke as an alternate
Southern Region: Pam Allan (Chair), Alison McCabe and Allen Grimwood, with David McGowan as an alternate
Western Region: Gabrielle Kibble (Chair), Ruth Fagan and Gordon Kirkby, with Mark Grayson as an alternate
Wagga Wagga Interim Region: Pam Allen (Chair), Stephen Driscoll and Terri O'Brien
BIOGRAPHIES: SYDNEY EAST REGIONAL PANEL
JOHN ROSETH (CHAIR)
John Roseth brings more than four decades of planning expertise to the role, including within the commercial and government sectors. John was a key policy adviser and senior executive with the NSW Planning Commission, with significant achievements over many years. John served on the Land and Environment Court, as a Commissioner since 1995 and as the Senior Commissioner since 2002, retiring in 2009.
A Sydney resident, John holds a degree in Architecture from the University of London, a Doctorate in Planning from the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
DAVID FURLONG
David Furlong has 25 years of experience in planning and development, including work for local government, which includes a period as Director Planning and Environment for the City of Canada Bay Council, and as a strategic planner and Director of Plan Urban Services in the private sector, providing consultancy services on planning and local government matters to both government and industry.
A Sydney resident, David is a graduate of the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Town Planning.
MARY-LYNNE TAYLOR
Mary-Lynne Taylor is a lecturer in Planning Law at Sydney University and an Adjunct Professor in Urban and Regional Planning at Sydney University’s Faculty of Architecture. In addition to academia, Mary-Lynne has undertaken extensive work as a member of or chair of a range of planning panels in areas as diverse as Liverpool, Fairfield, Waverley, Warringah, Ryde and Port Macquarie. Mary-Lynne has also served as a member of the Heritage Council, chairing the Approvals Panel.
A Sydney resident, Mary-Lynne is a graduate of Sydney University with an Arts/Law degree. She has been admitted as a practicing Solicitor and is an Honorary Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
ALTERNATE MEMBERS
JULIE SAVET WARD
Julie Savet Ward brings 22 years of planning, environmental and communications expertise to the role, most recently as an Associate (since 1992) and as a Director (since 1995) of the Manidis Roberts consultancy practice.
A Sydney resident, Julie holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Applied Physical Geography) and a Master of Landscape Planning, both through the University of NSW.
TIMOTHY MOORE
Timothy Moore has more than 12 years experience working in local government development assessment in rural, suburban, inner city and CBD settings, including with the City of Sydney and Leichhardt Municipal Council. More recently Timothy has worked with Conics, a leading development consultancy focused on urban growth and infrastructure.
A Sydney resident, Timothy holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New England and a Graduate Diploma in Urban Design from the University of Sydney.
BIOGRAPHIES: SYDNEY WEST REGIONAL PANEL
JANET THOMPSON (CHAIR)
Janet Thomson has over 30 years of planning system experience at all levels of government, as well as the private sector, covering strategic planning and development issues. Janet has held senior executive positions in the Department of Planning and the former Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority in the 1980s and was a Director at APT Planning for 12 years.
Janet is now a planning consultant and a member of the Planning Assessment Commission.
BRUCE MCDONALD
Bruce McDonald has extensive experience in local government and planning, having served with Penrith City Council in a range of planning roles for 35 years, culminating in an appointment as Deputy General Manager.
A Sydney resident, Bruce is currently providing Hunters Hill Council with strategic planning advice and until recently was co-chair of the Local Government Planner’s special interest group of the Planning Institute of Australia.
PAUL MITCHELL
Paul Mitchell is a specialist in environmental resources management, having served as the President of the International Council of Mining and Metals for five years. Between 2000 and 2002 he was the CEO of CARE Australia where he was responsible for that organisation’s international operations. In addition, Paul has served on the World Bank’s Advisory Committee on Extractive Industries, helping to develop best-practice guidelines for extractive industries and has been a director of two environmental services consultancies.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts (Geographic and Environmental Studies) from Macquarie University, a Master of Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Applied Science from the University of NSW, Paul is the author of more than 30 publications on sustainable development, corporate strategy and social responsibility, urban and regional planning, environmental assessment and expert testimony.
ALTERNATE MEMBERS
STUART MCDONALD
Stuart McDonald, a Director of consultancy SJB Planning, brings 25 years of experience in planning and development to the Panel, gained in local government roles with the City of Sydney, South Sydney City Council and Leichhardt Council, as well as a mix of commercial clients. Stuart is also a member of both Waverley Shire and Sutherland Council Independent Hearing and Assessment Panels.
Holding a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Hons) from the University of New England, Stuart is also an accredited Mediator, a Certified Practising Planner and a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia.
LINDSAY FLETCHER
Lindsay Fletcher is an experienced planner, having served with Local and State Government agencies, including as City Planner and Director Environmental Services for Fairfield Council and in other roles for Kogarah, Woollahra and Warringah Councils. Lindsay is a Director of the environmental planning consultancy Planning Ingenuity and has been called upon to provide planning evidence in court, including numerous direct appointments by the Land and Environment Court as the Court’s Town Planning expert.
A Sydney resident, Lindsay holds a Master of Environmental Planning from Macquarie University and is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia
BIOGRAPHIES: HUNTER AND CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PANEL
GARRY FIELDING (Chair)
Garry Fielding has more than 35 years experience in Local and State Government, including roles with Maitland City Council, Newcastle City Council, Woollahra Council, the NSW Department of Planning and as Managing Director of Planning Workshop Australia.
Garry is a resident of Newcastle and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Urban Geography and Sociology) from the University of Newcastle, a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New England and a graduate Diploma in Local Government from the Mitchell College of Advanced Education (now Charles Sturt University) and is a Fellow of the Planning institute of Australia.
JASON PERICA
Jason Perica brings 20 years of expertise in planning matters, gained across Local and State Government, including with the City of Sydney, Mosman, South Sydney, Rockdale and Woollahra Councils and the NSW Department of Planning, within which he held a number of senior positions, culminating as Executive Director, Strategic Sites and Urban Renewal.
Jason holds a Degree in Science (Architecture) from University of NSW and a Master in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Sydney.
KARA KRASON
Kara Krason has undertaken planning roles in local government with Hornsby, Pittwater and North Sydney Councils and the private sector. In these roles Kara was responsible for development applications, environmental assessment, town planning and project management.
Kara holds a Bachelor of Town Planning (Hons) from the University of NSW, tertiary qualifications in Wine Technology and Viticulture and is a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia.
ALTERNATE MEMBERS
JOHN COLVIN
John Colvin has extensive experience, particularly as a community leader in local government, including seven years as Deputy Mayor and nine years as Mayor of Muswellbrook Shire Council, retiring in 2008. During this time John was instrumental in dealing with the many competing and complex demands of the mining, agriculture, wine and equine industries throughout the region. John is also a qualified teacher, having taught at Muswellbrook High School for 35 years, concluding in 1996.
A resident of the Upper Hunter, John, in addition to serving in local government, has served with the Australian Army Reserves, rising to the rank of Brigadier.
BOB MCCOTTER
Bob McCotter is a Director of McCotter Investment Company, advising on venture capital and property investment and was previously a Director of Mitchell McCotter (1984-1994) and Deputy Chairman of Environmental Resources Management Australia (1994-2003), both of which were environmental and planning consultancies. He is well recognised as a leading practitioner in environmental impact assessment and strategic planning.
Bob holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) (Civil and Structural) and a Diploma of Building Science from Sydney University, is a guest lecturer in environmental engineering at the Universities of Newcastle, Wollongong, UTS and NSW and is a Founding Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors.
BIOGRAPHIES: NORTHERN REGION REGIONAL PANEL
GARRY WEST (Chair)
Garry West is a former member of the NSW Parliament (1976-1996) and held various Ministerial portfolios including the Tourism, Lands and Forests, Conservation and Land Management, Energy, Police and Emergency Services. Retiring in 1996, Garry now provides strategic advice to a number of clients. He has been instrumental in conducting the State’s Inquiry into rural land.
Garry holds a number of positions on various regional Livestock Health Pest Authority Committees and is active in the community.
PAMELA WESTING
Pamela Westing brings more than 25 years of experience in planning and Local Government in NSW. Currently running her own town planning and business management consultancy, Pamela’s Local Government experience includes five years as General Manager, Byron Shire Council, plus roles with Port Stephens Council and Eurobodalla Shire Council in a variety of planning, development and environmental roles.
A resident of the NSW North Coast, Pamela holds a Master of City and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Hons) from the University of California, Berkeley and is a fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia
JOHN GRIFFIN
John Griffin has 34 years of experience working for State and Local Governments, culminating in 15 years as General Manager of Tweed Shire Council. John’s previous roles included Chief Operating Officer of the Northern Territory Electricity Commission and senior roles with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria.
A resident of Tweed Heads, John holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), Diplomas in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, a Master of Engineering, a Doctorate of Management and is Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors and the Institute of Management.
ALTERNATE MEMBER
BRUCE CLARKE
Bruce Clarke is a lawyer and has extensive experience as an advisor to Local and State Government and the private sector and is a Director of Ally Group, a private consultancy. During a career which included Directorships with Price Waterhouse Coopers and Ernst & Young, Bruce developed particular expertise in the area of Public Private Partnerships and has advised State Government Ministers and the private sector on a range of high profile infrastructure projects.
A resident of Byron Bay Shire, Bruce is a practicing Barrister and Solicitor of the ACT Supreme Court and a Solicitor of the NSW Supreme Court and continues to practice.
BIOGRAPHIES: SOUTHERN REGION REGIONAL PANEL
PAM ALLAN (Chair)
Pam Allan is a former member of the NSW Parliament (1988-2007) and held the role of Minister for the Environment from 1995-1999. Since leaving politics Pam has been a Visiting Fellow at the Graduate School of Environment at Macquarie University and chairs a number of community and consultative committees serving the communities of South-Western NSW, including the Wagga Wagga City Council Planning Panel and the Ministerial working party on Liverpool Plains Water study.
Pam holds an Arts Degree with Honours in Government and a Diploma in Education, both from the University of Sydney and is a Director of the ASX listed company Phoslock Water Solutions.
ALISON MCCABE
Alison McCabe brings 28 years expertise in the planning, consulting, State and Local Government fields to the role. Roles with Rockdale, Cessnock, Woollahra and North Sydney Councils culminated in the position of Director, Environmental and Community Management with Leichhardt Council. Alison has also held positions with the then Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and private consultancies BSD Consultants and SJB Planning.
Alison holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New England, a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law from Sydney University and has lectured on planning-related matters at Sydney’s University of Technology and the University of New South Wales.
ALLEN GRIMWOOD
Allen Grimwood is a Consultant Planner with Zenith Town Planning and has worked in senior planning roles within both Local Government and consultant roles. Allen was Senior Planner or Strategic Unit Leader with Eurobodalla Shire Council for 11 years and is a recognised expert on sustainability and planning.
A resident of Moruya, Allen holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (Geography) from the University of NSW, a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Sydney and is a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia.
ALTERNATE MEMBER
DAVID MCGOWAN
David McGowan has almost four decades of experience in Local Government and planning matters, having served with the Councils of Canterbury, Willoughby, Wingecarribee and the Blue Mountains and has also worked within a number of specialist planning consultancies.
A resident of Bowral, David holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Geography from the University of Wales, a Master in Town and Country Planning from the University of Sydney and is a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia.
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BIOGRAPHIES: WESTERN REGION REGIONAL PANEL
GABRIELLE KIBBLE AO (Chair)
Gabrielle Kibble is the Chair of the Heritage Council of New South Wales; Chair of the Planning Assessment Commission; and Administrator of Wollongong City Council. Gabrielle was also the Chair of Sydney Water from August 1998 to May 2007.
Gabrielle has extensive experience in the public sector, particularly in urban planning and infrastructure development. Between 1987 and 1997 she was the Director General of the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning. From 1992 until 1994, Gabrielle was also Director General of the NSW Department of Housing.
Gabrielle has a Bachelor of Arts and also a Diploma of Town and Country Planning from the University of Sydney. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian Planning Institute. In 1997 she received the Sidney Luker Memorial medal of the Royal Australian Planning Institute for an outstanding contribution to urban planning in NSW.
In 1994, Gabrielle became an Officer of the Order of Australia. In June 1999, the University of NSW conferred on her the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
RUTH FAGAN
Ruth Fagan has extensive experience in a wide range of community services including local government, tourism, small business and cultural planning, serving on the Board of Tourism NSW from 1998 to 2008, and as a member of the NSW Regional Flagship Events panel for 10 years. As a resident of Cowra for 28 years, Ruth Fagan has held a number of regional leadership roles, acting as Chairman of the Cowra Tourism Corp from 1989 to 2003 and serving as a Councillor on Cowra Shire Council from 2004 to 2008
Ruth has also been Director and Board Member of the Central West Community College since March 2006 and the Regional Manager for the NSW Cancer Council.
Ruth holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Charles Sturt University and is also a Justice of the Peace.
GORDON KIRKBY
Gordon Kirkby has 17 years’ experience in both private and public sectors as an urban and regional planning expert, holding a number of senior positions at the NSW Department of Planning from 1992 to 2006, including as Director of Strategic Assessments and Director of Urban Assessments. During this time, Gordon worked as part of the Western Region team on a number of major manufacturing and rural industry projects.
Since 2006, Gordon has managed a broad range of major urban renewal, greenfield and industrial projects as an Associate at JBA Urban Planning Consultants, and was appointed Partner in April 2008.
Gordon holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Sydney.
ALTERNATE MEMBER
MARK GRAYSON
Mark Grayson has held a number of senior roles in both local and State Government planning across rural NSW, including as a senior planner at Shoalhaven City, Penrith City, Yass Valley, and Wollongong City Councils.
Mark also has six years’ experience with the NSW Department of Planning, as Acting Director of Regional Coordination and as Manager of Local and Regional Planning for the Southern Region. Here Mark played a key role in managing the regional plan making process for 37 regional councils in the south west of NSW, including the whole of the Murray, and led interstate Murray planning initiatives as well as regional planning forums.
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BIOGRAPHIES: WAGGA WAGGA INTERIM REGION REGIONAL PANEL
PAM ALLEN
Chair of Southern Region Joint Planning Panel – refer to biography above.
STEPHEN DRISCOLL
Stephen Driscoll is a qualified town planner with 18 years experience in strategic land use planning and policy development for local and State government. Stephen has served on the Wagga Wagga Planning Panel since November 2007.
Stephen has spent the last five years working for Landcom, the NSW Government-owned developer, where he is the Rouse Hill Development Director, and also the Director of Sustainability & Policy driving innovation and sustainability implementation across all of Landcom’s projects. Stephen previously worked for the Department of Planning as the Regional Director for the Western Sydney Region, and spent 10 years at Blacktown City Council.
TERRI O'BRIEN
Terri O’Brien is a qualified town planner, mediator and business consultant with over 20 years experience in local and State government, and as a planning consultant. Terri has served on the Wagga Wagga Planning Panel since November 2007.
Terri has recently established her own business, Write on – Business writing for busy people, and is also a heritage advisor to Indigo Council (VIC). Terri is a former Albury council planner where she was responsible for a number of strategic, land use and transport planning projects.
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