The NSW Government has made it clear that planning reforms to drive jobs and boost investment are the centre of attention.
This week, the Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes jointly announced a reform push to: “…slash assessment times, reduce red tape, and fast track projects in high growth areas” at the CEDA ‘State of the State’ event.
The announcement indicated future reforms would simplify the planning system and 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; and
- Preserve our heritage, create beautiful new public places, and promote good design.”
The Minister noted that detail would be offered in the new year following consultation.
Whatever the motivation for the announcement, PIA welcomes the acknowledgement of planning being a key shaper of our cities and regions.
PIA NSW President Juliet Grant emphasised that “PIA has consistently worked with the Minister, The Department and across the planning profession to strengthen trust in our planning system.”
The priorities the Government has outlined are consistent with PIA’s aims for a fair, transparent and efficient planning system.
The President noted: “The value of planning is not just how it can speed up planning approvals – but how it can help create great places to live and work.”
“We want an efficient planning process that gives us great outcomes” she said.
PIA will continue to work across industry and government to achieve fair and practical reform that reduces unnecessary complexity in the planning system.
PIA President Juliet Grant emphasised that “We will be guided by the need to ensure that our cities and regions become more sustainable and more productive in the face of unprecedented climate change and growth challenges.”
28 November 2019
Media Contact: Juliet Grant, PIA NSW President