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Legislative updates to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act will begin on Thursday 1 March 2018.

The updates have four underlying objectives: to enhance community participation; to promote strategic planning; to increase probity and accountability in decision-making; and to promote simpler, faster processes for all participants.

A number of other changes which involve further design and consultation will be introduced in a staged process up until mid-2020 to allow for a smooth transition. Click here for more details.

To assist practitioners in updating their forms and templates the Department of Planning and Environment has compiled a list of the most commonly used sections of the Act that reflects the new numbering system.

The Department will also be providing a guide illustrating the key changes.

What do the changes aim to achieve?

• Modernise the structure and language of the Act
• Create new objects to ensure the Act supports a thriving built environment
• Give communities and councils the tools to shape the future of their local areas
• Make sure development controls are simpler and up-to-date
• Strengthen confidence that approval and standards will be enforced
• Emphasise the probity and independence of decision makers
• Deliver more efficient approvals from NSW agencies
• Create more efficient processes for state significant development, without compromising the rigour of assessment.

For more information, contact the Department of Planning and Environment on 1300 305 695.