In a significant move aimed at enhancing the planning system across New South Wales, the state government has unveiled a statewide Community Participation Plan. The announcement was met with strong approval from the Housing Industry Association (HIA), which hailed the initiative as a transformative step towards creating a more consistent and predictable planning environment.

Brad Armitage, Executive Director of the HIA in New South Wales, expressed his support for the plan, emphasising its potential to bring clarity and uniformity to the state’s complex planning processes. “The Housing Industry Association welcomes today’s announcement by the Planning Minister for a statewide Community Participation Plan,” he stated. Armitage underscored that the new approach would introduce a consistent method for consultation on planning matters throughout NSW, providing much-needed certainty for both communities and industry stakeholders.

The statewide Community Participation Plan is designed to address longstanding concerns about the inconsistency and confusion that have plagued the current planning system. Armitage remarked, “It is refreshing to see the government acknowledge that the current system is inconsistent and confusing for applicants, homeowners, community members and other stakeholders trying to navigate the planning system.” By standardising the consultation process, the plan aims to simplify interactions for all parties involved, from developers to local residents.

A key aspect of the plan is its focus on prioritising community consultation for strategic planning and major projects, rather than smaller, lower-impact developments. Armitage praised this approach, noting, “HIA fully supports the move to put the primary focus of community consultation on strategic planning and major projects, rather than lower-impact development types such as single dwellings, sheds and pools, already designed to meet planning controls.” This shift is expected to streamline the approval process for smaller projects, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and expediting development timelines.

The HIA also commended the NSW Government’s commitment to proportionality in planning decision-making. “This move reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to proportionality in planning decision making, which HIA fully applauds,” Armitage said. By aligning the level of consultation with the scale and impact of the project, the plan seeks to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, focusing on developments that have a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Looking ahead, the HIA is eager to collaborate further with the state government to enhance the planning system. Armitage outlined several areas for potential improvement, including the expansion of complying development, the creation of new targeted assessment pathways, and the implementation of mandated standard conditions of consent. “HIA looks forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government on further improvements to the planning system that will lead to an upturn in housing delivery,” he stated.

The introduction of the draft statewide Community Participation Plan marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to reform the state’s planning system. Armitage expressed optimism that the plan would simplify processes and ultimately facilitate increased housing delivery. “HIA supports today’s announcement of exhibition of the draft statewide Community Participation Plan as it will untangle another complexity of the state’s planning system by streamlining processes to help to get more keys in doors,” he concluded.

As the plan enters the exhibition phase, stakeholders from across the industry and community are encouraged to provide feedback and contribute to the finalisation of the initiative. The NSW Government’s proactive approach to reforming the planning system is expected to foster greater collaboration and transparency, paving the way for more efficient development and a more vibrant housing market in the state.