The exhibition of the A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper has now closed
Public consultation on the A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper has now closed. Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback. Your insights will help shape a simpler, clearer and more coordinated planning system for NSW.
About the new approach to strategic planning
As NSW grows, we need a clearer, more coordinated approach to land use planning that delivers homes in the right locations, creates more jobs, invests in infrastructure and protects our environment.
The A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper sets out a proposed three‑tiered planning framework for NSW—State, Region and Local—to make the planning system easier to understand and more consistent across the state. It introduces 7 statewide planning priorities and outlines how these priorities would guide future land use decisions across NSW.
The state priorities are:
- Aboriginal outcomes
- housed
- prosperous
- connected
- resilient
- liveable
- coordinated.
The Discussion Paper also outlines the role of a State Land Use Plan, how the new framework will work, and what it means for communities, councils and industry.
The proposed new approach aims to:
- reduce duplication across the planning system
- align housing, jobs and infrastructure planning
- support councils with clearer guidance and direction
- make planning priorities and policies easier to navigate and implement.
What happens next
The Discussion Paper was on public exhibition on the NSW Planning Portal from 10 December 2025 to 27 February 2026.
Now that consultation has closed, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is:
- reviewing all submissions received during the exhibition period
- assessing potential refinements to the proposed framework based on feedback from communities, councils, industry and planning experts
- working with councils and key stakeholders to ensure the new framework is practical and supports consistent decision-making
- preparing the final recommendations for consideration and next steps in implementing a new statewide strategic planning approach.
This process ensures community and stakeholder input directly informs the development of the State Land Use Plan and guides further updates to the strategic planning framework.
The State Land Use Plan is expected to be released in 2026.
How this connects with other planning reforms
The ideas in the discussion paper form part of the NSW Government’s steps toward a more streamlined strategic planning framework.
The proposed approach is distinct from, but designed to complement, other planning reforms. It works alongside:
- the Planning System Reforms Act 2025, which focuses on improving assessment pathways and development delivery
- the Sydney Plan, which will be the first regional plan prepared under the proposed framework
- the Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands, which outlines how industrial lands will be planned, managed and categorised in NSW.
Together, these changes support the NSW Government’s effort to simplify and improve the planning system in both the short and long term.
Frequently asked questions
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More information
If you have any questions about the discussion paper, email [email protected]