Experts and public to help focus Council’s priorities

Published on 22 February 2022

Council will establish a committee and permanent review panel over the next few months to canvas the view of the public as well as experts. This will play a vital part in delivering Council’s vision for Burwood during the next term.

In the first meeting of the year, Mayor John Faker introduced through the use of Mayoral Minutes, a call to establish the Burwood Sustainability and Environment Committee and a permanent Design Review Panel.

Sustainability of the local environment is a key focus of the new Council and the new committee is set to build on the work of the Sustainable Burwood Strategy which underwent extensive community consultation in 2021.

While the terms of reference are yet to be set, it is understood the committee will take a hyper-local view on environmental issues within the Burwood LGA and develop innovative ideas to support Council’s stated aim of moving towards a green and sustainable future.

It is forecast that medium term growth and development in the Burwood Town Centre will continue to accelerate. Council aims to promote design excellence through every possible channel, and the experts of a Review Panel will give additional confidence in the process.

Mayor John Faker was pleased by the support from his fellow Councillors and is looking forward to the establishment of the committee and review panel later this year.

“This is definitely a work in progress and Council will have to investigate the practicalities and resourcing of the committees before they are ultimately adopted, but introducing this request now highlights how seriously I take this issue,” Cr Faker said.

“The lived experiences of our community is one of our best assets and it would be foolish not to bring them along the journey.

“Once established I believe the committee will do important work for Burwood, while the creation of a Design Review Panel will support our City Excellence vision with all major developments.” he concluded.