Rezoning Pathways Program

The Rezoning Pathways Program aims to identify and deliver strategically important rezonings under 2 state-based pathways – state-led rezonings and state-assessed planning proposals.

A state-led rezoning is when we lead rezoning for large geographic areas or in precincts of state significance.

A state-assessed planning proposal is when we assess a planning proposal of state significance or regional environmental planning significance.

There are 4 key criteria we use to assess and determine whether and what state rezoning pathway for a proposal is appropriate. We look at:

• how well the proposal demonstrates public benefits, including through housing supply and alignment with state policies and land-use strategies
• the proposal’s contribution to affordable and social housing outcomes
• how well impediments to delivery are understood and whether there is a pathway to resolution
• whether infrastructure is available or funding is committed for critical infrastructure

We only take the lead with a proposal in limited circumstances. This could be for strategically important places that align with state infrastructure investment or places that have complex planning, infrastructure and stakeholder issues.

Projects assessed under these pathways undergo a transparent and thorough assessment process. The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces retains the discretion to proceed with or refuse rezonings under the program.

Self-governance – the department will play a role where it provides significant and meaningful public benefits and aligns with state policies and land-use strategies.

Transparency – the department will implement strong probity measures to provide transparency and confidence in how it makes decisions that commit state resources and funding.

Criteria-based assessment – the department will commit resources where candidate sites demonstrate a strong focus across the 4 defined key criteria.

Housing-focused – priorities and pathways will be determined by how well a candidate site meets the assessment criteria, the complexity of issues, the extent of planning activities completed, time frames for rezoning, strategic importance and the geographic scale of the site.

Clear delivery pathway – the implementation of each rezoning pathway is defined with clear outputs, indicative timeframes and governance procedures.

Flexibility – the criteria and approach are flexible and can adapt to the evolving priorities of the government of the day.

Frequency of assessments

The department is not currently accepting any applications for either pathway. We will invite applications for suitable candidate sites to be evaluated through the program as resourcing permits.

A package of state-led rezonings and state-assessed planning proposals, identified by the department under the program, was announced in November and December 2022.

State-led rezonings

• Broadmeadow, Newcastle
• Camellia-Rosehill
• Explorer Street, Eveleigh
• Macquarie Park Stage 1
• Orchard Hills
• Parramatta North’s University and Northern sites
• Riverstone East Stage 3

State-assessed planning proposals

• Appin (part) precinct (up to 12,900 homes)
• Gilead (Stage 2) (up to 3,330 homes)
• North Appin (up to 3,000 homes)

Separately, in December 2022, we invited industry to apply under a pilot process for the state-assessed planning proposal pathway.

We received significant interest from industry and, following a rigorous assessment process, we selected 5 projects that will have the opportunity to deliver quality homes, paving the way for new and vibrant communities to thrive.

The following projects have been selected and applicants have lodged relevant documentation with the department. You can view information about the progress of the assessment of the rezoning projects at the links below:

• Railway Terrace, Schofields (up to 1,800 homes)
• Cowper Street, Warrawong (up to 1,118 homes)
• Tolland Estate, Wagga Wagga (up to 500 homes)
• The Northern Road and Bradley Street, Glenmore Park (up to 1,585 homes)
• Wallarah Road and Pacific Highway, Kanwal (up to 800 homes)

For further information about the pilot process and next steps, see:

• Frequently asked questions (PDF, 144 KB)
• State-assessed planning proposal pathway – amended and restated guideline (PDF, 309 KB)
• State-assessed planning proposal pathway guideline – Addendum 1 (PDF, 354 KB)

Selected applicants lodged the planning proposals for their projects on 14 September 2023. Each proposal will now be placed on public exhibition to give the community the opportunity to have their say.

Planning proposals will be assessed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The department will work with relevant councils and government agencies leading up to exhibition of each proposal and continue to engage with them throughout the assessment process.

We will report on the progress of the selected projects in the pilot scheme as they move through the rezoning process.

The department is carrying out a review of the pilot process which is being informed by formal feedback sought from applicants, peak bodies, Government agencies and councils. The outcome of this review will help determine whether future rounds of this process will occur.

If you have any questions about the state-assessed planning proposal pathway, email [email protected]