The Decision Makers
Speaking at a panel meeting is not essential as the DA assessment report will generally summarise and/or attach all development application objections and submissions made. Attending and speaking does, however, highlight your particular submission and there are certain circumstances where it may be important, for example:
if you feel there’s a need to correct something in the assessment report, or
if you have something to add or request (eg a condition that might address some of your concerns).
Note, however, that panels have limited ability to deal with issues ‘on the run’ and may have a policy that any significant new evidence/argument/submission be provided in writing a certain number of days before the meeting. This is to provide opportunity for the author of the assessment report to investigate the further matter and respond to it, often by a ‘supplementary memo’.
The golden rule is - always check the council website and any notification from council concerning the protocols and procedures for the running of the panel meeting.
Protocols between panels vary. Some will allow a certain number of speakers ‘for’ and ‘against’ but the Panel chair usually has discretion to vary this. You will need to register to speak and you will be usually be allowed around 3 minutes to put your case – so use your time wisely. It’s a good idea to have a couple of practice runs with a stop-watch – it’s amazing how many times objectors run out of time after spending their 3 minutes making introductory comments that have very little bearing on what their concerns really are. It’s fine to use notes.
Don’t worry if you’re not a confident public speaker – the panel doesn’t expect you to be. The chair will aim to ensure a non-confrontational environment. Other attendees (whether for or against the DA) will be required to keep quiet while you are speaking and not interrupt.
If a few of your neighbours have common concerns it’s fine for you to elect one person to speak on behalf of all neighbours. Panels will appreciate not hearing one objector after another repeat the same concerns. It’s advisable, in this circumstance, for each neighbour to provide a signed note indicating their consent. Likewise, when you stand up to speak it is perfectly fine (and again, usually welcomed by panels) to say ‘I agree with everything my neighbour just said about streetscape, traffic and parking’ for example, and then go on to simply explain the additional points that specifically affect you.
Addressing the panel
If you are an immediate neighbour of the development site, briefly explain the relationship of your property to it.
Explain your concerns as succinctly as possible. Keep it focussed.
Assume your written submission has been made available to the panel members - you do not need to repeat it. Better to focus on the main points, and anything new you wish to add or point out.
Do not repeat evidence given by other community members - if you agree with what they’ve said, just say so.
Once you have finished speaking, the panel members may ask you questions for clarification.
When you have finished, step back (or turn your computer back to mute) and listen quietly to other speakers. Do not interject or call out or clap. Be respectful of everyone attending. The Panel meeting gives you an opportunity to express your views, but it is not a general discussion. You will not usually be permitted to ask questions of the applicant or panel members, for example.