Mr. Paul Hogan:

To cover the last bit of the question on issues, this stage of the process is for the general public to understand the process and make their views known at the outset. One of the reasons the public meeting format does not always work is because very often well engaged or well mobilised people who have an interest in land or a particular agenda may seek to dominate the process. It is very useful to have other outlets and avenues such as online, as we propose.

There is also the fact that it is not a stage of the process where elected members' views are sought because they have a very particular role at the direction stage, which is the stage after that. I do not see how raising or not raising any issues at this stage is relevant. To be honest, for members of the public, for whom this stage is targeted, any valid issue can be raised but it is explicit in the legislation that zoning matters cannot be considered. Unfortunately, that is not understood by a lot of people, including landowners who will often seek to pursue their aims at this stage.