NSW Government announces overhaul of state planning system

The NSW Government has announced plans to transform the state’s planning system.

Speaking at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) State of the State address, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes outlined the Government’s plan to boost the timeliness, certainty and transparency of the state’s planning system.

“The current system does not give investors certainty – some planning proposals are taking years to determine and there are too many layers of bureaucracy – which is unacceptable,” Berejiklian said.

“Under the new reforms, we will deliver the simplest and most effective planning system in Australia that creates thousands of jobs and improves the way people live and work, right across the state.”

Stokes said a series of reforms would be introduced to the planning system over the coming months to slash assessment time frames, reduce red tape and fast-track projects in high growth areas.

“This is about demystifying and restoring confidence in the planning system so we can get on with the job of delivering fantastic new places right across NSW,” Stokes said.

“We have already made significant changes to the planning system over the past few years and these changes will keep driving our state forward.”