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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 8 September 2009 NEW 10-DAY PLANNING APPROVALS FOR BUSINESS NSW businesses can now save up to $4,500 each under 10-day planning approval laws which came into effect yesterday. Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, said when moving into and fitting out a shop, businesses can now use a “checklist style” 10-day Code instead of lodging a Development Application. The Commercial and Industrial Complying Development Code applies to minor works such as installing awnings and signage, and changing the use of existing retail, commercial office and industrial facilities. “The NSW Government is making it easier for businesses to do business,” Ms Keneally said. “From yesterday, businesses wanting to change the type of shop or do minor improvements will be able to gain a 10 day ‘checklist style’ approval from an accredited certifier. “These businesses would previously have had to lodge a DA with the local council - with an average 28-day turnaround. “According to the Property Council of Australia, if just 10 per cent of the State’s retail tenancies use the Code each year, between them they would potentially save $40 million per year.” Ms Keneally said the new code forms part of the Government’s commitment to creating Australia’s best planning system. “Whether it’s a new shop fit-out or a multi-million development proposal, the NSW planning system is ensuring the right decisions are made in the right timeframes at the right level,” Ms Keneally said. “Our Housing Code already helps mums and dads building a home to save time and money. Now businesses can also benefit from streamlined planning approvals.” Ms Keneally said that the Commercial Code has received extensive backing from industry groups and local chambers of commerce. “You only have to look at the response from businesses themselves to see how important these changes are,” Ms Keneally said. “Local chambers of commerce, the NSW Business Chamber, and the Property Council of Australia have all declared the Code a winner. “The Commercial Code means more businesses will be able to deliver more jobs and more investment more efficiently – all crucial measures in the State’s ongoing economic recovery.” Further details of the Commercial Code are available on the Department of Planning’s website: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/commercialcode Media Contact: Phil McCall 9228 5811 or 0438 619 987 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CODE FEEDBACK The NSW Business Chamber “NSW Business Chamber is a strong supporter of reforming our planning system to reduce red tape and get politics out of the system so that business owners can get on with the job of running successful job generating businesses. “Planning Minister Kristina Keneally has demonstrated a strong commitment to getting NSW’s planning system working for business owners and she should be congratulated. “This is a practical way of helping existing small businesses update their premises and for new small businesses to get going and open their front doors. “In an environment where we are fighting for jobs, this is a step in the right direction. It will remove an unnecessary hurdle from small business.” Property Council of Australia (NSW Branch) “The first stage release of the Code is strongly welcomed as a key part of the Government’s planning improvements. “Our analysis shows significant red tape reduction and cost savings could be realised with proper implementation.” Other business groups which have offered support: • Forster Tuncurry Chamber of Commerce • Hawkesbury Chamber of Commerce • Southern Highlands Business Chamber • Murray Riverina Business Chamber • Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Forbes Business Chamber • Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Kurri Kurri District Business Chamber
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