The NSW Government will fast-track planning processes for State Significant Developments – including waste management facilities – to keep the development sector moving through the COVID-19 crisis.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the construction and development sectors are vital to keeping people in jobs and supporting the state’s economic recovery.
“We are fast-tracking assessments to keep people in jobs, boost the construction pipeline and keep our economy moving,” he said.
In addition to fast-tracking assessments of State Significant Developments, Mr Stokes said the planning system acceleration program would clear the current backlog of cases in the Land & Environment Court.
“Our economic recovery will in many ways be longer and harder than the health one, and it’s essential we do everything we can now to keep our state moving forward, and allow work to continue wherever possible in line with the best medical advice,” he said.
According to Mr Stokes, the planning system will likely undergo further reform to ensure it enables economic growth once the immediate effects of COVID-19 have passed.
“This will pass and when it does, the planning system will be ready to continue driving economic productivity across the State,” he said.
Further details of additional reforms are set to be released in the coming weeks.
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