On 28 April 2020, the NSW Government announced a new Planning System Acceleration Program – to redirect resources within the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to accelerate the assessment and determination of projects that inject investment into the NSW economy and keep people in jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The usual planning rules and policies apply, with all projects under the program assessed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Six tranches of projects were announced between April and October 2020, with the accelerated determination of 101 major projects and planning proposals.
50,000
25,000
$25b
400ha
The following lists provide detailed information on all determined projects:
The program includes projects that require State planning approval such as State Significant Developments, State Significant Infrastructure, major projects, and planning proposals.
Projects must be in the system, be able to demonstrate public benefit through new public open spaces or affordable housing, demonstrate an ability to create jobs both during construction and once complete, and able to commence construction within six months if it’s a DA, or proceed to the DA phase within six months if it’s a rezoning.
This includes commercial projects that drive employment as well as public projects that deliver critical public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, rail upgrades, housing and public space.
Specific criteria were created to identify and progress projects for a fast-tracked assessment.
The criteria were informed by government, industry and community stakeholders.
The criteria were also reviewed by an independent probity advisor and the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
The three essential criteria:
Read the full criteria (PDF, 520 KB) and the Jobs methodology paper (PDF, 109 KB)
An independent probity advisor was appointed to ensure a robust and transparent prioritisation process.
Coordination is occurring across all key State Government agencies, as well as within the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and a new Planning Delivery Unit has been created ensure to streamline agency approvals and ensure any inter-agency road-blocks are identified and mitigated.
The Department redirected resource to ensure determination of all projects identified for fast-tracked assessment within 4 weeks.
All projects are considered in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and subject to the same level of rigorous assessment and opportunity for consultation as at any other time.
Due to the need to meet requirements under Public Health Orders, a range of digital engagement tools will be used to communicate with the community and stakeholders to seek any comment or feedback.
Page last updated: 13/11/2020
