Councils support their role as a local decision making authority and consider that this role should be properly funded by fees and charges set at a cost recovery level.  Local government will oppose reforms that result in a more unfavourable financial position in relation to planning functions.

Local government recognises the importance of consistency across all spheres of government in the way that planning processes are applied. Councils, through the LGA, shall continue to highlight the importance of federal and state governments maintaining consistency in decision making processes that affect local communities.

Local government recognises that building sustainable densities is keyto healthy and vibrant communities,but that current policy on cumulative impacts of infill development should be reviewed and monitored. Local government shall continue towork with state government to identify appropriate targets and controls and shall lobby for a greater role in policy development.

Local government recognises the benefits ofprotecting our heritage while emphasising that classification of ‘heritage’ and ‘conservation’ status should be made locally, on the basis of evidence. Local government will oppose the implementation of policies that lack a sufficiently robust evidence base.

Councils shall work with the community and private sector to ensure preservation, and to identify new funding streams to be used for heritage/ conservation projects, notwithstanding the responsibilities of federal/ state government to contribute financially.

Local government recognises that planning decisions should be made cognisant of good design principles. Local government shall continue to collaborate with state government in the development of quality design principles, along with lobbying against design requirements that are not in the best interests of the local community.

Local government recognises its obligations to identify hazards in making planning decisions and in applying hazard policies stringently unless suitable mitigation elements can be built into the design. Councils shall continue to equitably contribute to collecting hazard data, notwithstanding the responsibilities of federal and state governments.

Protecting areas of cultural and spiritual value is a shared responsibility of all tiers of government and communities. Councils shall work with other tiers of government and local communities to ensure protection through informed decision making and through educational initiatives to demonstrate cultural and spiritual significance.

Local government understands that having higher levels of natural plant life (trees and shrubs located in street verges, parks and on private properties) in their local communities has many social and environmental benefits, particularly in urban communities. Councils shall continue to explore and implement strategies that maintain and increase levels of urban greenery to maximise the benefits of green cover.