Expressions of Interest were called for three positions within the Joint Regional Planning Panel, with an appropriate closing date.

Due process was followed and three EOIs were received – one from a councillor and two from well-respected and highly competent members of the public.

From time to time, the progress of the EOIs was checked with council, and it was confirmed that three EOIs had been received: one from a councillor and two from members of the Orange community.

At the most recent council meeting this week, councillors deemed that this process should be swept aside.

The decision was made that council would elect two councillors and one community member, with EOIs not having been received from either of the two councillors that were elected.

As an observer of the live streamed broadcast, I was flabbergasted that such a blatant breach of public process was contemplated, allowed and then acted upon by council: allowing two councillors who had not completed an EOI for consideration to be elected into the vacant positions.

How can the Orange community have trust and faith in their council or express interest to assist this council?

This is an example of council behaviour the community despise and for which they have no tolerance or respect.

I WOULD like to add my voice of concern to the absence of adherence to due process at Tuesday night’s Orange City Council meeting.

As a member of the public gallery, all hope of a merit-based selection process for our local representation on the Joint Regional Planning Panel for the next three years was dashed as the actions of council played out.

The Community Committee Network draft charter invited community members and agencies with appropriate qualifications or experience to express interest in becoming a regional representative on the NSW government-based planning panel.

As stated in notes from the council’s Planning and Development Committee Meeting on Tuesday, the JRPPs were introduced into NSW in 2009 to “de-politicise the process of decision making on regionally significant development”.

As reflected in the recent EOIs, community members stand to bring valuable expertise as strong community advocates for our region.

OCC elected two councilors to the panel on Tuesday night, with no evidence of the mandatory written expression of interest. One community member was also elected.

It is important to acknowledge the unsuccessful attempts of certain councillors and administrative staff to remind the group of proper process.

I wish to extend thanks to our community members who remain willing to represent our region.

Community partnership with council can only work within a framework of trust and respect.