City of Ballarat Design Review Panel

The City of Ballarat are seeking further expressions of interest for the Ballarat Design Review Panel for the 2024-2025 year (ending October 2025, with potential for extension). 

The purpose of the Ballarat Design Review Panel (BDRP) is to provide an efficient and consistent approach to delivering expert, independent design advice and guidance to decision-makers, developers and designers to deliver high quality, built environment outcomes across Ballarat.

The primary means in which the panel assists the City of Ballarat in achieving this objective is by undertaking robust design reviews of proposed projects and planning applications, particularly those which raise complex or contentious design issues and are significant in scale.The Panel is advisory only and does not have a decision‐making function.

All Panel members are required to:

• provide independent, fair and reasonable professional advice relative to the Design Principles 
  and relevant State and local policies and schemes.
• treat all discussions and information about applications with sensitivity and confidentiality.
• respond to and comment on material presented, providing clear and constructive feedback.
• disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest in writing for the record. Where an interest 
  exists, the member must: disclose the interest to the Chair as soon as possible, and before the session to ensure there is a quorum for all items. If the interest is a pecuniary interest, the member must not take part in the consideration or discussion of the matter.

Following an initial successful trial of the Panel, it has been determined that additional expertise in the fields of Planning, Heritage and Aboriginal cultural heritage is needed. We are therefore open to receiving applications from professionals in these fields. 

People who are currently employed by, or who are an elected member of the City of Ballarat, are not eligible for  appointment as a member of the Panel. Those who are already on the panel need not reapply, you will remain on the panel. 

For additional information please review the attached Terms of Reference. 

If you have any questions please contact Joanna Cuscaden, Executive Manager Development Facilitation on 0409 135 038.

To express interest, please submit your resume and cover letter by close of business Wednesday 27th November 2024. Shortlisted applicants will go through an interview process.