A NSW Government website
Planning

Our work

We shape our cities, towns and regions for the benefit of the people of NSW.

As part of the Department of Planning and Environment, the Planning group has teams across the state to help the NSW Government make and implement important decisions about our land and how we use it.

We help deliver great places for you to live and work, and we develop smart ways to support industries and promote economic growth.

We make planning assessments of large, state-significant projects, we evaluate what infrastructure should be prioritised, and we balance protecting our environmental assets with industry and community needs. We also work with and support local councils to promote people’s health and wellbeing and help councils create vibrant communities.

We are also working hard to make the planning system in NSW simpler, more transparent and easier to understand.

You can read more about the Planning group’s achievements in the department’s annual report

Jai Ord and Minjari Ohara in Waterloo Estate in Redfern, Sydney CBD NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Salty Dingo

Find out how we're working with Aboriginal stakeholders to unlock the potential of Aboriginal community-owned lands.

Two smiling adults carrying toddler.

This is our guide to the NSW planning system, who runs it, and how you can get involved.

Cyclists ride past Towradgi Beach Park playground. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Find out how you can have your say on projects in your neighbourhood and local community.

Houses in Googong as part of Googong's new housing development. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Jaime Plaza Van Roon

Find all the information you need to help you prepare, lodge and/or track your development application.

Homestead exterior at Fernhill Estate, Mulgoa. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment

The Office of Strategic Lands helps us deliver on our big-picture programs to provide more open public space, green corridors, and infrastructure like rail and roads