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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 3 June 2009 PLANNING SYSTEM CONTINUING TO SUPPORT JOBS AND INVESTMENT IN NSW More than 3,200 new jobs will be created and $709 million of capital investment will be generated as the result of 42 major projects approved via the NSW planning system in May 2009. Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today outlined the number and type of projects approved last month. This is the second release of figures of this type since the Government launched this initiative in April. “These monthly reports are designed to provide councils, the community and developers with timely and accurate information about the performance of the planning system for major projects,” Ms Keneally said. “What the figures show is that the approvals given in May have continued to provide a boost for jobs and investment in NSW.” During May 2009: • 42 Major Projects had been approved creating 2,019 construction jobs, 1,194 operational jobs and over $709 million of capital investment in NSW. • Of these 42 approvals, 7 were approved by the Minister under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. • The Planning Assessment Commission independently determined 1 proposal in May. • The remaining 34 were approved by the Department of Planning through different parts of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 • 2 Major Projects were rejected by the Minister, the Moruya East Village project application and the Currawong proposal. “There were a number of approvals which significantly contributed to this great result for May 2009,” Ms Keneally said. “The Planning Assessment Commission’s approval of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest IKEA store and Australian Headquarters will create 1,150 jobs and $120 million of investment in NSW. “The Hunter Economic Zone, approved by the Government, will create 85 new operational jobs and 152 construction jobs for the Lower Hunter, and provide a $68 million boost to the local economy. “Approving the Hunter Economic Zone will not only create jobs and investment in the Hunter region, it also offers residents of the region greater access to jobs close to home, and close to their families. “Both of there projects are examples of the NSW Government’s commitment to local job creation, more sustainable development, and delivering for the families of NSW.” For a full breakdown of approvals, visit: http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/planningsystem/pdf/may_09_0306.pdf © NSW Department of Planning