Overview
This stage involves publicly exhibiting the planning proposal and consulting with the community and relevant agencies.
It ensures that:
- stakeholders can provide feedback
- impacts are fully considered
- the planning proposal is refined before finalisation
- This stage is a critical step in testing the planning proposal and confirming it is suitable to become law.
View module 4 in the Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline.
Why this stage matters
Public exhibition and assessment:
- ensures transparency in decision-making
- allows the community and stakeholders to have a say
- identifies issues that may require changes to the planning proposal
- strengthens the quality of the final outcome.
Planning proposals that are well-managed at this stage:
- are more likely to proceed to finalisation
- have fewer unresolved issues
- are more aligned with community expectations.
What happens at this stage
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Implement Gateway conditions
Complete any requirements set in the Gateway determination, such as additional studies or revisions to the planning proposal.
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Public exhibition
Exhibit the planning proposal for public comment in accordance with Gateway conditions and legislative requirements.
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Consult agencies
Seek input from relevant government agencies as required.
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Receive submissions
Collect and record feedback from the community and stakeholders.
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Assess submissions
Review issues raised and consider whether changes are required.
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Update the planning proposal
Amend the planning proposal where necessary to address feedback or new information.
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Recommend for finalisation
Prepare a report recommending whether the planning proposal should proceed to finalisation.
Public exhibition
During exhibition, the planning proposal is made available for review by the public.
This includes:
- publishing the planning proposal on the NSW Planning Portal
- notifying affected landowners and stakeholders
- making supporting documents and studies available.
Exhibition timeframes are set by the Gateway determination.
Consultation
Consultation may involve:
- State agencies (e.g. environment, transport, infrastructure)
- local stakeholders (e.g. community groups, landowners)
- specialist authorities (depending on the nature of the planning proposal).
Consultation requirements are typically specified in the Gateway determination.
Key considerations
When scoping a public exhibition, consider:
Community feedback
- What issues or concerns have been raised?
- Are there consistent themes in submissions?
- Are impacts clearly understood by stakeholders?
Agency advice
- Do agencies support the planning proposal?
- Are there technical or policy issues identified?
- Are further changes or studies required?
Proposed changes
- Do submissions require amendments to the planning proposal?
- Are changes minor or substantial?
- Would changes alter the intent of the proposal?
Need for re-exhibition
- Have significant changes been made?
- Would the community need to re-review the planning proposal?
- Is further consultation required?
Possible outcomes
| Outcome | What it means | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| Proceed to finalisation | Planning proposal is supported after exhibition and assessment | Move to Module 5 — Finalisation |
| Amend and proceed | Changes are made to address submissions or issues | Updated planning proposal proceeds to finalisation |
| Re-exhibit | Significant changes have been made | Planning proposal is exhibited again for further consultation |
| Not proceed | Planning proposal is no longer supported after assessment | Process stops |
Tips for success
- Clearly communicate the planning proposal during exhibition
- Ensure all required documents are accessible and complete
- Respond to submissions transparently and consistently
- Distinguish between minor and significant changes
- Keep clear records of decisions and responses
Next step
If the planning proposal is supported:
Proceed to Module 5 – Finalisation.
At the finalisation stage:
- the planning proposal is finalised and legally made
- the LEP amendment is drafted and published
- the change becomes part of the planning framework.