The New South Wales (NSW) government announced a major overhaul of its planning system, marking the most significant reforms in nearly 50 years. Premier Chris Minns unveiled plans for a “single front door” authority aimed at streamlining the development application process for builders and developers. This initiative seeks to simplify the current system, which has been described as a “maze” that complicates the approval of new housing projects.
Speaking on March 15, 2024, Premier Minns acknowledged the existing planning framework as “intolerable,” stating it acts as a barrier to addressing housing shortages. “To build a house, to build an apartment, you have to run through that maze,” he remarked, highlighting the challenge builders face in obtaining approvals from numerous government agencies. Under the proposed changes, developers will only need to engage with one authority rather than navigating approvals from as many as 20 different agencies.
Key Features of the Reforms
The legislation will establish the Housing Delivery Authority, consisting of three senior bureaucrats responsible for assessing large developments classified as “state significant.” In a notable shift, the approval process for minor changes, such as home renovations, will operate on a default approval basis. This means that applications will be automatically approved unless a local council rejects them within a ten-day period. “I haven’t spoken to somebody who hasn’t had a renovation that wasn’t a complete nightmare,” Premier Minns added, underscoring the need for these changes.
The reforms are also designed to reduce the number of projects that escalate to the Land and Environment Court. Planning Minister Paul Scully emphasized that the changes will not restrict developers’ rights to appeal refusals. Instead, they will introduce additional review pathways, allowing developers to have their cases examined by another council officer or a local planning panel.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Implications
The announcement reflects a collaborative effort between the Labor government and the opposition, with Premier Minns expressing gratitude to the Coalition for their support. He referenced a proposal from Mark Speakman, the opposition leader, who offered to work alongside Labor on creating bipartisan planning reforms.
The new bill is set to be introduced in parliament and will aim to amend the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, a comprehensive document exceeding 300 pages. The proposed changes will include updated objectives focused on enhancing housing delivery and climate resilience. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey described the legislation as a landmark social and economic reform, asserting that it has the potential to transform NSW’s planning system into the most effective in Australia. “This bill will catapult New South Wales from having Australia’s worst planning system to having Australia’s best,” he stated.
As the proposed legislation progresses, its potential impact on housing development and the overall planning landscape in New South Wales will be closely observed by both industry stakeholders and the public.
