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Concerns are being raised in the Hawkesbury community following reports that Council is considering an internal appointment to the role of Director of City Planning, a senior position with an annual salary of around $170,000. The position has been vacant since October 2025.
Businesses and residents point to a previous internal appointment to the same role as a cautionary example. Last time the position was vacant, Council, in line with NSW Government merit-based employment principles advertised externally and interviewed candidates with formal planning qualifications and extensive experience. However, those candidates were rejected by Council in favour of an internal appointee who critics say lacked any post-school qualifications and professional planning experience.
Businesses and residents argue the consequences of this were significant. They cite long delay in progressing the Local Environmental Plan (LEP), planning reports containing errors and disputed information, and repeated instances where another council officer was required to respond to technical planning questions at council meetings while kneeling at the feet of this Director to access the meeting microphone.
One of the most serious examples raised by critics involves the approval process for a development application linked to emergency communications infrastructure. Community members say funding was returned due to delays and mismanagement, leaving approval in place but no money to deliver the project, a situation they argue has left communities at risk will no 000 access.
Critics describe the process as an example of “cronyism”, arguing it undermines public confidence and damages outcomes for residents. They also point to what they see as a lack of accountability in the system, noting that under current arrangements, only unsuccessful applicants can seek a review of whether merit-based employment principles were properly applied.
With the position again vacant, some Hawkesbury residents are calling for greater transparency and a genuinely merit-based appointment process. Efforts are reportedly underway to have questions raised in NSW Parliament, seeking assurances that any appointment will be based on relevant post-school qualifications, demonstrated planning expertise and experience commensurate with the seniority of the role.
As Council considers its next steps, the debate highlights broader concerns about governance, capability and the long-term impact planning decisions have on community safety, development and trust in local government.
“From a business point of view, planning leadership matters. Decisions worth millions of dollars in investment, jobs and community infrastructure flow through this role. Businesses expect that a $170,000-a-year position is filled on merit, with strong qualifications and proven planning experience.” says President Hawkesbury Business Group Phil Bamford.
"When Council doesn't appoint appropriately qualified people to any positions, delays, mistakes and uncertainty result and cost the whole of Hawkesbury not just development applicants, but local workers, families and emergency services that rely on sound planning decisions.” says Fiona Germaine Director Bells Line Road Business Council.
A spokesperson for Hawkesbury Council stated "Recruitment is currently underway for the vacant position of Director City Planning. All appointments are made on merit, having regard to the abilities, qualifications and experience of candidates."
