The New South Wales Government has declared that major reforms to the state’s planning system are necessary to create more jobs and improve the economy.
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 vision 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,” Ms 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.”
Mr Stokes said a series of reforms would be introduced to the planning system over the coming months to slash assessment timeframes, 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,” Mr 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.”
The planning reforms aim to:
- Cut red tape, increase transparency, reduce assessment timeframes and make e-planning mandatory for metro councils
- Supercharge new hubs across NSW to ensure people can live in communities close to their work
- Fix the uncertainty of developer contributions to boost investment
- Preserve our heritage, create beautiful new public places, and promote good design.
More details on the planning reforms will be outlined in the new year following consultation.
