Shape the future of planning in New South Wales

Join the next pool of expert members and chairs for NSW’s Local and Regional Planning Panels, for a term from 2027 to 2030.

Further information is contained on this page, including the full expression of interest pack and eligibility information. Please review all materials before starting an application.

The opportunity


The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is building the next pool of members for Local Planning Panels (LPPs) and Regional Planning Panels (RPPs) across New South Wales.


Local and regional planning panels determine complex development applications and provide advice on planning proposals, independent of council and ministerial direction on matters of substance. Panel members bring specialist expertise and sound judgement to decisions that shape the places communities live and work in.

Local planning panels

Each LPP has a chair, two independent expert members and a community representative. The Department is recruiting a pool of approximately 220 expert members and 160 chairs, for appointment by councils across the state. LPPs currently operate across 36 council areas and continue to expand as the Government’s planning reforms roll out.

Regional planning panels

There are currently 4 RPPs operating across New South Wales. TheDepartment is recruiting 4 chairs, 8 state members and 25 alternate members for a term from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029.

Candidates are welcome, and encouraged, to apply for both LPP and RPP roles. Panel work is designed to sitalongside your existing professional commitments, rather than replace them.


Building a panel that reflects our communities

The Department is building a pool of experts and chairs that reflects the diversity of the communities these panels serve. Candidates of all genders and cultural backgrounds, and strong representation from regional and rural New South Wales, are warmly encouraged to apply.


We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and leadership are vital to good planning outcomes, and we want that leadership reflected in the pool of experts and chairs appointed to these panels.

Who can apply

You’ll need expertise in one or more of the following fields:

  • Planning
  • Architecture
  • Heritage
  • The environment
  • Urban design
  • Economics
  • Traffic and transport
  • Law
  • Engineering
  • Tourism
  • Government and public administration


Chairs need expertise in law, or in government and public administration, in addition to leadership and facilitation capability.

  • Property developers and real estate agents (as defined in the relevant legislation)
  • Anyone currently employed by the Department or a council
  • Anyone currently bankrupt or insolvent
  • Sitting councillors are not eligible for LPP roles 


Full eligibility criteria, including term limits for previous LPP appointments, are set out in the expression of interest.

Who is not eligibile

Applications are made through a single online form, which will ask for:

  • Your personal and contact details
  • A declaration confirming you meet the legislative eligibility criteria Your areas of expertise and panel preferences
  • Details of 2 referees
  • A short statement (up to 500 words) on your suitability
  • Your consent to probity checks


Have your CV and referee details ready before you start, as the form can’t be submitted without them.

How to apply

Key dates


Dates are indicative and may be adjusted as the process progresses. See the full EOI for detail on probity requirements and timing.

17 August 2026

Expression of interest closes

Expression of interest opens

20 July 2026

Late August to early September 2026

Initial assessment and shortlisting

Probity checks (shortlisted candidates only)

Week commencing 31 August 2026

Download the full expression of interest

The full expression of interest sets out eligibility criteria, what we’re looking for, probity requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions.

NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure: planning panels

View more information on the Department's website

Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panel Members

Understand the conduct requirments for those serving on Local Planning Panels

Enquiries

Most questions are answered in the expression of interest above. If yours isn’t, contact Orchard Talent Group at planningpanels@orchardtalent.com.au.