State Planning Commission Chair thanked for contribution

Minister for Planning Vickie Chapman has thanked State Planning Commission Chair Michael Lennon for his service, as he prepares to step down from the role.

Mr Lennon has written to the Minister indicating that once the Planning and Design Code Phase Three is delivered on

March 19, he will be returning to his position at Housing Choices Australia.

Mr Lennon is an inaugural member of the State Planning Commission and has served as Chair since October 2018.

Minister Chapman says she appreciates Mr Lennon’s role in the complex planning reform task.

“I want to thank Mr Lennon for his significant contribution as Chair of the Commission during this transformational period for planning and development in South Australia,” Ms Chapman said.

“His leadership since 2018 has played an important role in the finalisation of the Planning and Design Code and the implementation of the e-planning system.

“I wish Mr Lennon all the best in his future endeavours,” she said.

Mr Lennon says delivering Phase Three of the Planning and Design Code represents the culmination of more than eight years’ worth of work, two of which he has served as State Planning Commission Chair.

“For close to four years it has been my privilege to serve South Australia in delivering these important reforms,” he said.

“Upon the ‘go-live’ date, this task is now largely complete and a new phase will start.

“I would like to thank the Government for the trust and confidence you have shown in the Commission through this difficult and complex task,” he said.

Minister Chapman has also congratulated Helen Dyer on her appointment as the next Chair of the State’s Planning Commission.

“Helen has extensive planning experience having worked across state and local government in a variety of high-level roles,” Minister Chapman said.

“She’s well placed to see the roll out of our state’s new e-planning system and Code,” she said.

Ms Dyer says she is looking forward to taking up the role from March 22nd, 2021.

“The State Planning Commission has a full agenda this year, so I will hit the ground running in this new role,” Ms Dyer said.

“I thank Michael for his strong leadership as Chair and his role in the development of the state’s new Planning and Design Code,” she said.