The planning system in New South Wales is set for a significant overhaul, the government in that state has announced.

Speaking at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) State of the State address, Premier Gladys Berijiklian and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes announced that the government would seek changes to the state’s planning regime.

Whilst details of the reforms are not expected until the new year following consultations, Berijiklian and Stokes say the reforms will aim to:

  • Cut red tape, increase transparency, reduce assessment timeframes and make e-planning mandatory for metro councils
  • Supercharge and promote new hubs to ensure that people can live in communities close to their work
  • Address uncertainty around developer contributions
  • Preserve heritage, create beautiful places and promote good design.

Berijiklian says the reforms will supercharge the economy and address current planning system deficiencies.

“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,” Berijiklian 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.”