Guide to the updated Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The Government is taking a staged approach to the commencement of the new Act to ensure a smooth transition to the new measures.

The Act includes new objects that reflect the Government’s commitment to thriving, safe and well–designed communities with local character and heritage.

New community participation plans will need to be prepared by all planning authorities.

Part 2 – Independent Planning Commission

The Planning Assessment Commission will be known as the Independent Planning Commission, recognizing its independence and decision–making role.

The Act recognises the importance of accountability and probity in the determination of Development Applications.

The Act recognises the critical role of councils in strategic planning for their local area.

Part 4 – Development controls and approvals

Development controls in a council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) need to be kept up–to–date and as simple as possible.

The Act recognises the importance of Complying development adhering to the development standards, such as height limits and floor space ratios.

The Act simplifies and clarifies the process for State Significant Development and closes transitional arrangements for Part 3A projects.

There is a requirement for notification of proposed activities to ensure future plans for an infrastructure corridor will not be affected.

The new Act strengthens building regulation and certification procedures to ensure quality and safety.

The infrastructure contributions system has been improved to promote the efficient sharing of costs and benefits in infrastructure development.

The new Act allows applicants to request an internal review from council of a decision about integrated development.

The Department and local councils will have the ability to enter into enforceable undertakings with people acting on a development consent, to allow for greater flexibility.

New Act Sections Guide
The new Act is easier to navigate, understand and it has 10 principal parts, with all provisions decimal numbered.

The Government began its review of the planning system in May 2016 when it announced it was updating the EP&A Act with the goal of building community confidence in the planning system.