NSW introduces strategy to streamline consultation process
One statewide participation plan aiming to speed up community discussions on planning projects in their neighbourhoods.
A new single Community Participation Plan will allow people in NSW to “know how and when to have a say on development in their neighbourhooods”.
The NSW Government announced a plan to incorporate over 100 plans into one clear and consistent approach.
Currently, there are many Community Participation Plans across the state – each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning matters.
This has led to inconsistent consultation practices and confusion for proponents, homeowners, community members and other stakeholders trying to engage with, and navigate, the planning system.
Consulting the community is a central part of the NSW planning system and the introduction of a single Community Participation Plan will simplify this and standardise public exhibition and consultation requirements across the state.
The draft plan reframes the state’s approach to community consultation by putting the primary focus on strategic planning and major complex development applications instead of sweating the small stuff.
It proposes longer timeframes for the community to have their say on strategic planning proposals that set out where development should occur and where infrastructure is needed; while reducing the number of low-impact development application types required to be exhibited by councils, speeding up assessment and decision making.
NSW planning minister Paul Scully said a key pillar of the Minns Government’s generational planning reforms is making it easier and clearer about what, how and when the community has its say on various planning proposals.
“We are encouraging more people to have their say up front when looking at the future of their city, town or suburb by focusing consultation on strategic planning decisions while making the approach to consultation on planning matters clear and consistent across the state,” Scully said.
“The statewide Community Participation Plan means no matter where you live, you’ll know how and when to have your say on development in your neighbourhood.”
The Housing Industry Association has welcomed the announcement.
HIA NSW executive director Brad Armitage said the Community Participation Plan will improve the planning system by introducing a consistent approach to consultation.
“It is refreshing to see to the government acknowledge that the current system is inconsistent and confusing for applicants, homeowners, community members and other stakeholders trying to navigate the planning system,” Armitage said.
“HIA fully supports the move to put the primary focus of community consultation on strategic planning and major projects, rather than lower-impact development types such as single dwellings, sheds and pools, already designed to meet planning controls.
“HIA supports the Community Participation Plan as it will untangle another complexity of the state’s planning system by streamlining processes to help to get more keys in doors.”
