THE Development Assessment Panels (DAP)  process has been at the centre of many development stories in Perth’s Eastern suburbs in recent memory, with communities raising concerns about its erosion of council decision-making power.

DAPs were introduced in 2011, intended to provide greater transparency, consistency and reliability in decision-making on development applications.

These panels originally only assessed higher-value projects but today, proponents can opt in to the DAP process for any project worth $2 million or more.

That includes residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, and also community housing developments of any value following reforms in 2024.

The state planning website outlines six steps in the DAP workflow being intent to lodge, lodgement of application with local government, local government notifies DAP of the application, assessment by the responsible authority (mainly local government), DAPs meeting and finally the DAP outcomes.

Although local council is responsible for assessing applications, advertising it for public comment, if required, and preparing a report with a recommendation, the final decision is made by the panel.

In its current state, residents have no third-party appeal rights in relation to planning decisions.

DPLH said residents could opt for judicial reviews by applying to the Supreme Court, but the court could not remake the decision and was only asked to consider whether the original decision was lawful.

The WA local government association (WALGA) has consistently opposed the DAP system in its current form calling for more balance, transparency and accountability.

In its formal policy position, WALGA has called for the DAP threshold to be raised from $2m to $5m, for local government members to be represented equally and for matters of local planning context to be adequately considered by decision makers.

“WALGA supports greater transparency around DAP processes and decisions, as community distrust of DAP decision-making is a key area of concern for many local governments,” the WALGA advocacy positions manual states.

In its current structure, each panel has five members with three independent specialist planners appointed by the state and two elected members from the relevant local government council.

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil said council had formally endorsed WALGA’s reform agenda.

“Our community is stronger when we can have a say in shaping its future,” she said.

“That’s why Mundaring shire council has backed efforts to give our local residents a greater community voice in planning decisions by supporting WALGA to improve DAP assessments.

“Council (also) supported holding DAP meetings at local government offices making it easier for the community to attend and have their say.”

Kalamunda MLA Adam Hort said he believed the current system was not working for hills communities.

“Time and time again, local voices are drowned out by decision-makers who don’t understand or represent our communities,” he said.

“I have serious concerns about how the DAPs have evolved and would support a full review of the system to assess whether the original intent is being realised.”