The department is implementing measures to ensure that State significant projects in NSW are supported by better assessment, better coordination and better engagement.
The Rapid Assessment Framework is a suite of system improvements that are designed to make major project assessments quicker and more efficient, while also improving assessment quality, engagement standards and customer service.
The Rapid Assessment Framework streamlines the assessment of major projects, provides clear guidance on environmental impact assessment and introduces a new Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioners (REAP) Scheme to provide quality assurance for environmental impact statements (EIS).
- Refined and streamlined major project assessment
We have prepared ready-made environmental assessment requirements that will make State significant development clearer and more efficient, allowing resources to be focused where they are most needed. - Clear expectations with the introduction of new guidelines
We have developed a comprehensive set of new environmental impact assessment guidelines to assist in improving the quality of environmental assessments and documentation. - Formal quality assurance measures
We are enhancing quality assurance for environmental assessment of State significant projects through a new accreditation system for registered practitioners.
These improvements are enabled by amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
As part of the amendments, a two-year expiry has also been introduced for Planning Secretary’s environmental assessment requirements (SEARs), ensuring that EISs are always based on up-to-date environmental considerations.
For more information on the Rapid Assessment Framework, including commencement dates and transitional arrangements, refer to the planning circular (PS 21-005) (PDF, 108 KB) and frequently asked questions (PDF, 67 KB).
For more information email the project team at rapid.assessment@dpie.nsw.gov.au
Exhibition and submissions
The Rapid Assessment Framework package was exhibited from 14 December 2020 to 12 February 2021. The department thanks all respondents for their feedback. All submissions have been carefully reviewed and have informed refinements to the final package.
A submissions report has been prepared that summarises the key topics and themes raised, and the department’s response. For further information about the exhibition and to view the submissions report please visit the NSW Planning Portal.
More information
To find out more about the Rapid Assessment Framework:
- watch the recording of our RAF information session
- view the video transcript of the RAF information session
- view the frequently asked questions (PDF, 67 KB)
- view the planning circular (PS 21-005) (PDF, 108 KB)
- email the project team at rapid.assessment@dpie.nsw.gov.au
If you are looking for the Environmental Assessment Improvement Project page, you have been redirected here. The Environmental Assessment Improvement Project page has been archived and superseded by the Rapid Assessment Framework.
