Council
31 January, 2026
The Southern Wire Exclusive: Planning panel chairman caught out on Livestream using a religiously offensive exclamation
Chair of Wingecarribee’s Local Planning Panel Steven Layman has been caught out by The Southern Wire allegedly venting his frustration to another panel member using a religiously offensive exclamation.
Chair of Wingecarribee’s Local Planning Panel Steven Layman has been caught out by The Southern Wire allegedly venting his frustration to another panel member using a religiously offensive exclamation.
After the panel finished hearing from a number of speakers at last Wednesday’s meeting in relation to a proposed childcare centre in Moss Vale, Mr Layman is captured quite clearly turning to a panel member on his left and exclaiming ‘Oh Jesus’ – at the same time shaking his head and laughing.
The interaction occurs 2hrs and 5 minutes into the meeting, just after he tells members of the gallery:
“That’s the end of the dialogue.
“We’re finished. There’s no more.
“I’m not going to answer any more questions – we’re moving on to the next item.”
The Livestream can be viewed on Wingecarribee Shire Council’s website by following the links to ‘Meeting Livestreams’.
His comments potentially breach the Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panels relating to General Conduct because it may be viewed as bringing the Wingecarribee Local Planning Panel into disrepute.
Mr Layman was obviously frustrated from the outset of last Wednesday’s public addresses relating to a proposed childcare centre in Farnborough Drive, Moss Vale.
After the first speaker, Tudor Estate resident Dianne Riley, claimed the proposed childcare centre wasn’t permissible, Mr Layman made it clear in no uncertain terms that the childcare centre was not considered commercial, was not prohibited and was not unlawful.
“If it was prohibited we wouldn’t be sitting here talking about it,” he told Mrs Riley.
Another speaker was ordered to “hold her seat” after finishing her address and attempting to stand up and return to her place in the public gallery.
Mr Layman was clearly unhappy when a member of the public gallery asked him to speak up.
“I’m just about shouting,” he responded.
“What else have I got to do?”
Mr Layman’s tone was unequivocal – particularly in relation to competition.
He said the proposed centre was permissible in the zone and the panel had to consider the application on that basis and whether or not it met other council requirements.
“We’re not here to work out competition in the marketplace,” he told the public gallery.
“It wouldn’t matter if there was one (another childcare centre) next door.
“It’s not a matter for us to decide whether this OK because of that or not.
“It’s permissible in the zone. Does it meet the requirements of council is the question we have to answer – and is it reasonable?”
Mr Layman shut down all discussion within seconds of being asked by a member of the public gallery if the panel would also consider if the proposed childcare centre was something the community actually wanted.
Mr Layman – a registered architect and qualified town planner from outside the Wingecarribee Shire – has been contacted for comment.
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The meeting video may also be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3hz0Vmqi6E
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