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Expert conferences and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) are tools to help resolve:
- technical issues
- narrow points of disagreement before or during the hearings.
Expert conferences
Independent expert witnesses are invited to:
- attend a conference run by a panel-appointed facilitator
- discuss their evidence and opinions.
Independent expert witnesses could include planners, engineers and urban designers. Submitters, lawyers and panel members do not attend.
Joint Witness Statement (JWS)
At the end of the expert conference, all independent expert witnesses create a Joint Witness Statement. The JWS helps the Independent Hearings Panel understand:
- issues at the hearing
- areas where experts agree and disagree.
The JWS is shared with all parties and the panel.
Alternative dispute resolution
Alternative dispute resolution helps to resolve issues before the hearing through mediation. Submitters, council officers, experts and a facilitator work together to help resolve the disputes.
Once the issue is resolved, the joint statement is signed by all participants. The joint statement will also include all agreements and issues that are not resolved.
- Panel members do not attend.
- Participation in expert conferences is limited to qualified experts.
- Mediation is not open to the general public or media.
- Outcomes from both processes are made available to all parties.