(1) It shall be the function of a regional planning council within a period of three years from the date on which it is established or such further period as the Minister may authorize, whether before or after the expiration of such period, to prepare for public exhibition in terms of paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section seven a regional plan for its region:
Provided that a regional planning council may, if so authorized by the Minister, and shall, if so directed by the Minister, prepare and submit a plan in terms of this Part for any portion of the region and, where the preparation of such a plan has been so authorized or directed, the provisions of this Part shall apply in relation to that plan.
(2) In addition to the preparation of a regional plan and making proposals for any alteration to, or repeal or replacement of, a regional plan, a regional planning council may—
(a) make recommendations to the local planning authority as to any matter to be contained in a master plan or local plan for any area within its region; (b) make representations to the local planning authority in respect of any provisions contained in a master plan or local plan proposed for any area within its region;
(c) advise or make recommendations to any local planning authority or other person concerning the operation of its regional plan;
(d) assist in the consideration generally of matters relating to planning within its region or, where appropriate, other contiguous areas.