NSW Local and Regional Planning Panels

Organisation: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Location: Across New South Wales

Remuneration: Set by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, paid per meeting as an individual (not via invoicing)

Time commitment: Part time, ongoing panel meetings and site visits as required

Term: 2027 to 2030 (LPP) or 2027 to 2029 (RPP), maximum 3 years per single appointment

Closing date: 17 August 2026

About Local and Regional Planning Panels

Local Planning Panels (LPPs) and Regional Planning Panels (RPPs) are the statutory bodies responsible for determining complex and contentious development applications, and for providing advice on planning proposals, across New South Wales. Panels operate independently of council and ministerial direction on matters of substance, giving members genuine decision-making authority within a clearly defined legislative framework.

The NSW Government is in the middle of a significant reform of the planning system, with the LPP model expanding statewide. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is recruiting the next pool of experts and chairs to support that expansion: approximately 220 expert members and 160 chairs for LPPs, and 4 chairs, 8 state members and 25 alternate members for the state’s 4 RPPs.

The role

Each LPP panel comprises a chair, 2 independent expert members and a community representative. Each RPP comprises a chair, state members and council nominees. As a panel member, you will review development applications and supporting material, attend panel meetings and site inspections, question applicants and objectors, and contribute to a written determination or recommendation. Chairs additionally facilitate panel meetings, guide discussion among members, and are expected to hold expertise in law or in government and public administration.

Skills and experience required

Applicants must have expertise in at least one of the following fields:

• Planning 

• Architecture 

• Heritage 

• The environment 

• Urban design 

• Economics 

• Traffic and transport 

• Law 

• Engineering 

• Tourism 

• Government and public administration

Beyond technical expertise, successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A sound understanding of the NSW planning and legislative framework, and of accountability and governance principles

• Extensive senior-level experience in their area of expertise

• A professional and ethical approach, and the capacity to form independent, well-reasoned views

• Integrity and sound judgement, including the ability to identify and manage conflicts of interest

• For chair candidates: leadership qualities, and the ability to guide constructive, timely panel discussion and work with a diverse range of parties

Building a panel that reflects our communities

The Department is building a pool of experts and chairs that reflects the diversity of the communities these panels serve. Candidates of all genders and cultural backgrounds, strong representation from regional and rural NSW, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are all warmly encouraged to apply. Panel work is designed to sit alongside your existing professional commitments, rather than replace them.

Who is not eligible

You are not eligible for appointment to a panel if you are a property developer or real estate agent (as defined in the relevant legislation), currently employed by the Department or a council, or currently bankrupt or insolvent. Sitting councillors are not eligible for LPP roles. Full eligibility criteria, including term limits for previous LPP appointments, are set out in the expression of interest available on application.

How to apply

Applications are made through a single online application form, which will ask for your personal details, a declaration against the legislative eligibility criteria, your areas of expertise and panel preferences, 2 referees, a short statement of suitability, and your consent to probity checks. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete national police, bankruptcy and qualifications checks.

Find out more and apply at orchardtalent.com.au/planningpanels

Applications close 17 August 2026.