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Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 16 June 2009 $26.5 MILLION TO CONTINUE BUILDING AUSTRALIA'S BEST PLANNING SYSTEM Jobs and housing growth, increased efficiency in the planning system and support for local councils are all funded in the 2009-10 NSW Budget. Planning Minister Kristina Keneally said the Rees Government will invest an additional $26.5 million over four years to fund extra capacity and resources in the Department of Planning. “The funding will support delivery of outcomes from the Jobs Summit and help the NSW Government build the best planning system in Australia,” Ms Keneally said. “$12 million will establish the Project Delivery Branch within the Department of Planning. The Project Delivery Branch will drive jobs growth and investment in NSW. “The branch will be responsible for increased efficiency in the assessment of major projects, comprehensive Local Environmental Plans, rezonings and strategic projects. “$6 million will be used to establish a targeted Employment Team within the Department of Planning, which will assist in the speedy identification and development of employment land. “This team will also be used to identify new centres around key transport nodes, business and technology parks and industrial land. “These initiatives represent a proactive and efficient response to industry demands for a planning system that works efficiently and effectively and provides the opportunity for investment. “Together, the Project Delivery Branch and Employment Team will ensure a more timely schedule of land releases and approvals for much needed employment and housing land.” Ms Keneally said the 2009-10 budget also allocates $8.5 million for the continued implementation of improvements to the State’s planning system. In addition, the Department of Planning will receive $10.95 million to administer the following programs in 2009-10: • $3 million for the Coastal Lands Protection Scheme to purchase sensitive, non-metropolitan coastal land to return to public ownership. • $2.7 million in Heritage Assistance Grants to help conserve, manage and promote NSW heritage. • $2.4 million in Metropolitan Greenspace Program grants to deliver a regional network of recreational trails and other regional open space improvements in partnership with local councils. • $1.5 million in NSW Coastline Cycleway Program grants for non-metropolitan local councils to develop and extend cycle paths along the New South Wales coast. • $1.35 million in Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program grants to local councils for capital works projects to improve public access to and along Sydney Harbour. Ms Keneally said that additional significant expenditure in the 2009-10 Budget includes: • $17.5 million to fund the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, including $9.6 million for bid evaluation, legal and staffing costs, and $7.9 million in capital expenditure including preparation of planning documentation and land payment. • $16.3 million for the upgrade of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour. The funding and upgrades complement future expansion plans for the centre which were announced in May 2009. • $15 million to start the second stage of remediation works for the former BHP steelworks site at Mayfield, Intertrade Industrial Park. • $8.7 million for restoration, conservation and refurbishment works for heritage buildings in The Rocks. • $4.8 million for upgrade and renewal of public owned assets and infrastructure at Sydney Olympic Park.
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