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The Department assesses the potential impacts of a proposal for a State significant project before a decision is made by the Minister for Planning or the Minister’s delegate on whether or not a project is approved. We assess information provided in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and consider feedback from government agencies and the community.
EIA for both State significant development (SSD) and State significant infrastructure (SSI) proposals refers to the way in which the environmental, social and economic impacts are considered. It includes:
We considered the way NSW approaches EIA and the approaches of other jurisdictions, both within Australia and internationally. We also looked at the issues that have been raised by the community and other stakeholders to identify the most important improvements.
Following this review, we asked for input from stakeholders including government agencies, industry, community groups and the public, to help us to develop the improvements that are presented in the draft guidelines as part of the EIA Guidance Series (now on exhibition). A consultation report was prepared in response to the engagement undertaken.
Implementing the new guidelines will:
Additional improvements, not included in the draft guidelines, are also being developed. These will give further guidance on an approach to cumulative impact assessment and professional practice requirements for those undertaking EIA.
We are also proposing changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 to give effect to the guidelines.
Other initiatives that are linked to improving EIA include:
We are seeking your feedback on nine draft guidelines. This is your opportunity to shape the future of EIA in NSW, to ensure balanced environmental, social and economic outcomes.
The first draft guideline is an overview summarising key changes proposed in the guidelines.
To view the overview document and the guidelines, click on the Community Feedback tab or contact us.
Page last updated: 11/05/2018