The major project assessments system
Fully operational in August 2005, the major projects assessment system includes:
- Part 3A of the EP&A Act - which defines the way a project should be assessed.
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 - which defines what projects are subject to Part 3A and require ministerial approval.
The Department has prepared a series of fact sheets to further explain the system:
- Fact sheet 1: Why the major projects assessment system was introduced? [PDF]
- Fact sheet 2: What is considered a major project? [PDF]
- Fact sheet 3: Steps in the major project assessment process [PDF]
- Fact sheet 4: State significant sites [PDF]
- Fact sheet 5: Independent hearing and assessment panels [PDF]
- Fact sheet 6: Merit appeal rights [PDF]
- Fact sheet 7: Critical infrastructure [PDF]
- Fact sheet 8: Debunking the myths [PDF]
Policies and Guidelines
Criteria for declaring development to be a major project for a residential, retail or commercial project with capital investment value of more than $50 million. [PDF]
The Guideline for State significant sites under the Major Projects SEPP outlines the processes followed when declaring a site to be State significant. [PDF]
Departmental assessment policies and guidelines can be found at our environmental assessment policy page.
Major project application form
This form is required to apply for the approval of the Minister to carry out a project to which Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act applies [PDF] [RTF]
Fees
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation outlines fees for the Department's Major project assessments and State significant sites. Updated assessment assessment fees for major projects and State significant sites (Brochure dated January 2007) [PDF]
Development assessment examples
Kings Forest site
Carlton and United Breweries site
Port Botany expansion
Other development that may need the Minister's consent
While most proposals for the Minister's consideration are handled under Part 3A of the EP&A Act, the Minister continues to be the consent authority under Part 4 of the EP&A Act for certain types of development. This includes:
- Schedule 6 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005, eg development under $5 million within the area of Circular Quay, Luna Park, Darling Harbour and parts of the Rocks, Dawes Point, Walsh Bay, the Fish Markets and Sydney Casino
- Proposals covered by State Environmental Planning Policy (Kosciuszko National Park - Alpine Resorts) 2007. For more information on development within this area, see Alpine Resorts Assessments
Further information