FAQ’s
1. I don’t have a car and intend to use other methods of transport to attend meetings (public transport, GoGet) when required. Do I still have to provide Motor Vehicle Insurance?
No, you only need to provide evidence of Motor Vehicle Insurance for your car / your company’s car if you drive to Council for a Panel meeting or site inspection.
2. I am a sole practitioner and do not employ people. Do I still have to provide a Certificate of Currency for Workers Compensation?
No, sole practitioners who do not employ staff or subcontractors do not have to provide a Certificate of Currency for Workers Compensation Insurance. Please confirm your legal obligations with your insurer if you have any insurance questions.
3. Do I have to pay for parking at the Council Chambers?
No, Council has a car park available to the general public. Council is also within a 15 minute walk of the Norwest Metro station.
4. If I use public transport do I still have to go on a site visit?
During and since the Covid19 Pandemic, Panel meetings are being held online. Panel members are asked to undergo site visits by themselves.
5. I’ve never been to the Hills Shire. Does that mean I cannot apply?
No, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified design professionals with extensive experience who are able to provide impartial and considered design advice. Please refer to the selection criteria.
6. I live interstate, will I be reimbursed for travel costs?
No, Panel fees include travel costs and preparation time and exclude GST. Please refer to the Terms of Reference for further information.
7. I’m an Urban Planner and have been working in development assessment for the past ten years. I don’t have a qualification in architecture, landscape architecture or urban design but would really like to participate. Can I apply?
The selection criteria specify the relevant experience and qualifications required to be considered for the Design Advisory Panel. Council is seeking design professionals who have demonstrated design qualifications and experience.
8. I have a professional qualifications in architecture, landscape architecture or urban design but do not have registration with a professional body. Can I still apply?
Yes, suitably qualified professionals in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture and urban design who are eligible for registration with the relevant professional body and have demonstrated extensive post–graduate experience are invited to apply. Please refer to the selection criteria for further information.
9. I am semi-retired and no longer work in professional practise. Can I still apply?
Yes, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified design professionals who are able to demonstrate extensive post–graduate experience. Recently retired or semi-retired
professionals, and parents/carers returning to the workforce after a period of extended leave are eligible to apply.
10. Who evaluates the applications?
Panel member applications are evaluated by senior council management staff, overseen by a Probity Officer. All applications are confidential. All successful applicants for the Design Review Panel are subsequently forwarded to the NSW Government Architects Office for approval by the NSW Government Architect.
11. Do I have to make the application online or can I post it in?
All applications are required to be submitted online.
12. I know a Councillor/ member of staff at Council, can I just ring and asked to be put on the Panel ?
All applications are required to be submitted online.
