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We’re working closely with local, state and federal government agencies, businesses and the community to modernise the planning system and help NSW recover from COVID-19.
Between 1 January and 30 June 2020, the NSW planning system has helped create 67,489 jobs, build 18,671 new homes and brought $24.97 billion in economic value to the State.
The first three tranches of our Planning System Acceleration Program saw 67 major project assessments finalised, created opportunities for almost 40,000 jobs, $17.7 billion in economic benefit, more than 18,000 new homes and more than 4 million square metres of open space, parks and land for environmental conservation.
Here’s a timeline of our major planning achievements and announcements in 2020:
| 12 August 2020 | Approval for development of the State’s first hydrogen gas facility at Horsley Park. |
| 05 August 2020 | A $250 million funding boost for councils to deliver new and improved public spaces for their local communities announced. |
| 30 July 2020 | Release of a new 20-year vision for Pyrmont. Community invited to provide feedback until 13 September 2020. |
| 29 July 2020 | Announcement of a new land tax discount for build-to-rent housing projects until 2040 and a Housing Diversity SEPP. |
| 18 July 2020 | Thirteen projects announced as the fourth tranche of projects to undergo a fast-tracked assessment process. All to be determined by 14 August 2020. |
| 17 July 2020 | A new 50-Year Vision for Greater Sydney’s Open Space and Parklands launched with a discussion paper open for public comment until 11 September. |
| 15 July 2020 | Planning System Reform Action Plan announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian Committee for Economic Development Australia (CEDA) event. |
| 3 July 2020 | Planning panel changes gazetted to commence 1 August 2020. |
| 3 July 2020 | Changes to State and local infrastructure contributions policy announced to allow developers to pay all contributions prior to an occupation certificate being issued. |
| 1 July 2020 |
Planning Delivery Unit (PDU) established, led by Coordinator General Kiersten Fishburn, introduced to resolve any blockages, delays and issues in the planning framework. |
| 25 June 2020 |
The draft Greener Places Design Guide placed on public exhibition until 7 August 2020. |
| 23 June 2020 | The Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF) announced. This provides Blacktown City Council with $45 million and The Hills Shire Council with $30.96 to co-fund and accelerate the delivery of fourteen community infrastructure projects worth $145.99 million. |
| 21 June 2020 | Nineteen new projects announced as the third tranche of projects to have their assessments fast-tracked. Decisions expected by 17 July 2020. |
| 18 June 2020 | The second tranche of fast-tracked assessments complete. Approved projects expected to deliver more than 15,000 jobs, 3,657 new homes and upwards of $5.3b in economic value. |
| 15 June 2020 | NSW Government releases discussion paper for the first comprehensive long-term housing strategy for public feedback before 24 July 2020. |
| 13 June 2020 | Council accelerated assessment program announced. |
| 29 May 2020 | The Department published key information on how to stay safe in public spaces in response to new public health orders. |
| 22 May 2020 | A further 24 priority assessments announced as the second tranche of fast-tracked assessments. Determination of the projects to be finalised by 18 June. |
| 21 May 2020 | The first tranche of fast-tracked assessments complete. Approved projects are expected to deliver more than 10,000 jobs and $7.7 billion in economic benefit and 325,000 square metres of open space, parks and environmental conservation land. |
| 15 May 2020 | Changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 notified to clarify that certain minor works do not satisfy the requirement for physical commencement. |
| 13 -14 May 2020 | COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures—Miscellaneous) Act 2020 passed and introduced. |
| 8 May 2020 | Streets as Shared Spaces Program launched, with $15 million in grants available for immediate and medium-term temporary projects. Applications close 10 June 2020. |
| 30 April 2020 | Regulation introduced that requires planning panels to hold public hearings and meetings online. |
| 28 April 2020 | First tranche of fast-tracked assessments announced along with specific criteria for assessment. All these projects to be determined by 21 May 2020. |
| 20 April 2020 | Regulation changes have also been made that require online notification of statutory planning processes. |
| 15 April 2020 | Productivity Commissioner, Peter Achterstraat, appointed to review NSW developer contributions. |
| 3 April 2020 | Planning System Acceleration Program announced to fast-track assessments; clear the backlog and progress projects stuck in the system; and deliver vital community infrastructure. |
| 2 April 2020 | Construction hours extended to support industry during COVID-19. |
| 2 April 2020 | Planning rules relaxed for food trucks and 'dark kitchens'. |
| 28 March 2020 | NSW Government introduced the COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures) Bill 2020 in response to COVID-19. |
| 25 March 2020 | Supermarkets and pharmacies able to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
| 20 March 2020 | New rules allow supermarkets to receive deliveries 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
| 5 March 2020 | Planning changes introduced to help bushfire-affected small businesses and communities. |
Read the full list of planning approvals between 1 January and 30 June 2020.
If you’ve got questions or would like more information, please email PlanningDeliveryUnit@dpie.nsw.gov.au or visit our news page.
Page last updated: 12/10/2020