Local Government Advisory Committee

PhD (Adelaide), MA (Cantab), MTCP (Sydney), MA (Adelaide), Dip.Arch (Hons), Dip.LG, LFAIA, LFPIA, LMLGMA.

Dr Llewellyn-Smith AM is the Managing Director of Llewellyns International Urban Management Consultants.  He has qualifications and over thirty five years’ experience in the fields of Architecture, Town Planning and City Management.  He holds three Masters’ Degrees (from Cambridge, Sydney and Adelaide Universities) and a PhD in city planning from The University of Adelaide.  Dr Llewellyn-Smith has served as the Deputy City Planner of Sydney, the City Planner and then the CEO of the City of Adelaide, as a Commissioner of the City of Adelaide Planning Commission, and as the Presiding Member of the South Australian Development Assessment Commission.  He has worked as a consultant throughout Australia for all spheres of government and has worked overseas in Poland, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Dr Llewellyn-Smith is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and the Planning Institute of Australia, and a Life Member of Local Government Managers Australia.  He was elected to the Adelaide City Council as an Area Councillor in November 2010 and served as the Deputy Lord Mayor of the City from 2012 until 2014.  Dr Llewellyn-Smith was awarded an AM in the 2013 New Year’s Honours for services to planning and local government.

Leith has worked as a planner and manager in local government in the Limestone Coast Region of South Australia since 1983.  Over these years Leith has worked at the City of Mount Gambier, the Wattle Range Council, and for the past ten years at the District Council of Grant.  Although always having a close role and involvement with planning, Leith has also been responsible for various Council work areas which have included planning, building, environmental health, general inspectorial/ranger services, asset management, waste management, and engineering services; together with ongoing involvement with economic development, community planning, and/or project work.  Since 2007, Leith has also undertaken some private planning consultancy work in his own business within the region.  Although Leith lived and grew up in Adelaide, he has strong ties to regional South Australia, with his family originating from the Eyre Peninsula, being born in Port Pirie, and having lived and worked in the Limestone Coast/South East Region over many years.

Sally has worked as a planner in local government in South Australia since 1989, which has seen her work within metropolitan and regional settings undertaking development assessment, policy planning and middle and senior management roles. Being involved with local government for this period of time Sally has been on a number of committees undertaking chair and executive officer roles and has had a Presiding Member role on a Development Assessment Panel.

Sally has a passion for planning at the local level and in particular within the rural / regional sector and she looks forward to contributing her expertise to this Committee, which will have an important role to play in the implementation of the new planning system. Having worked in the greater Adelaide region for the majority of her career it has enabled her to be involved in a diversity of roles and significant projects. She has built up an excellent network within the region and has a good rapport and reputation within the local government sector.

Ryan has more than 10 years’ experience at a senior level within local government specialising in economic development, environmental management, urban and regional town planning. This includes senior positions at the Barossa and Light Regional Economic Development Board, Local Government Association, Development Answers Pty Ltd, and he is currently the Manager of Development, Environment and Regulatory Services at the Town of Gawler. In these roles Ryan has gained significant experience in strategic land use planning, policy development and development assessment. Ryan also holds dual qualifications, having completed a Bachelor of Applied Science Environmental Management and a Masters of Urban and Regional Town Planning from the University of South Australia.

Bim was employed in local government for 39 years. Bim was a strong contributor to community, council and the sector at a strategic and operational level during his service to local government in his role - Director Works and Engineering.  Bim was an early adopter and leader in long term asset management especially road related infrastructure and developer contributions.  He has proven leadership skills in both strategic and technical functions, understanding of the needs of rural, regional and metropolitan communities and the key economic, social and tourism role road infrastructure plays in our current and future development of the state. Bim is currently assisting Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council providing asset consultancy to Council.

Hannah is an urban planner with local government experience in South Australia and New Zealand. She has worked across a range of strategic and policy planning matters including housing choice, employment areas, urban renewal, heritage, urban biodiversity, natural hazards, essential infrastructure and community engagement. Hannah has also previously advised on urban service provision and governance to local government in Mongolia. Hannah is currently project leader for the implementation of the PDI Act at the City of West Torrens.

Having completed his planning degree in 1981, Greg has worked for 36 years in local government in three different councils. Currently the General Manager, Planning and Development at Mount Barker District Council, Greg is involved in one of the fastest growing regions in the State. Greg’s previous experience at Burnside Council (15 years) and Salisbury Council (17 years) has provided a breadth of experience across all areas of planning and development.

Matt Romaine is an experienced local government manager with a passion for communities of the future and efficient and innovative service delivery. Specialising in transformational change and digital transition, Matt has held numerous senior management positions in planning across a number of Councils of varying sizes. Matt is currently the Manager of Development Services at the City of Mitcham.

Chris has worked in a range of roles in both local government and state government providing leadership and advice in development assessment, policy development, strategic planning and project management. Chris has an in depth knowledge of the South Australian planning system, the role of the stakeholders and is currently the Manager Development Services at the City of Salisbury.