NSW Government introduces statewide community planning rules

The New South Wales Government is implementing a new statewide Community Participation Plan, effective 1 September, to standardize how residents engage with planning proposals. Replacing over 100 separate local plans, the framework aims to provide a consistent approach across the state, focusing on strategic planning and major development applications while reducing notification requirements for low-impact developments to accelerate decision-making.

While the reforms aim for clarity, some local authorities have expressed mixed reactions. Hornsby Shire Council welcomed the government's decision to retain public exhibition requirements for certain high-impact developments, such as residential flat buildings and shop-top housing. However, the Council expressed concern that many other development applications will no longer require public notification, potentially limiting the ability of residents to lodge formal submissions and impacting community transparency.