NSW Govt Planning Review: Need help with your submission?

Posted: September 7th, 2012 | Filed under: Announcements, Current Issues

The NSW Government’s Planning Review Green Paper is out for public consultation with comments, feedback and submissions due by 14 September 2012.

There are significant changes being proposed for our NSW planning system, some if they become law, may mean you may not find out about the development next door until the bulldozers arrives!

It is important that you make yourself aware of the proposed changes, and if you have concerns or suggestions to let the NSW Government know.

You can down load the Green Paper, make a submission, provide feedback or be involved in an online forum by going to http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/newplanningsystem.

Helpful websites and links to background information and guides relating to public response to the  Green Paper include:

If you would like assistance in writing a submission follow the link below for a sample letter that you can use.  Make sure your response is in by 14 September.
Insert name, postal address and email address of sender

Insert date

New Planning System Team
Department of Planning and Infrastructure
GPO Box 39, Sydney 2001
http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/newplanningsystem?module=form#tool

NSW Green Paper – A new planning system for NSW.

I/We welcome the opportunity to comment on the Green Paper – A new planning system for NSW and provide the following comments:

  • The proposed commitment to community input at the strategic planning stage is welcomed, however, what bearing will the input have when developers make rezoning proposals and apply for development approvals contrary to the strategic plans and in excess of adopted controls?  Community participation in decision-making should be integrated into every stage of environmental planning and assessment.
  • Existing State Environmental Planning Policies which protect sensitive environments, including Urban Bushland, Sydney Harbour Catchment, Wetlands, and Koala Habitat,
    should be retained to conserve these valued assets which contribute to the economy and the wellbeing of the people of NSW and the environment.
  • The concept of “evidence based” decision making is supported, but this requires the scientific data and technical platform to be generally available across regions of the State.  This situation has yet to be achieved in NSW.
  • Strategies have no statutory force: There is ample evidence that strategies do not carry any weight when decisions are made to approve major developments which depart
    from adopted strategies. The Green Paper provides no assurance that input provided at the strategic planning stage will bear any weight in development decisions under the proposed new system.
  • The reforms proposed are very extensive: If adopted there would be major implications for the people of NSW; potentially transforming the historic character of their towns and cities, especially suburban Sydney, from low density residential areas with tree-lined streets surrounding a town centre to centralised mixed uses with a high rise, high density form and character. There would be major physical and financial implications for infrastructure and open space provision, education and health services, as well as community facilities and services which are beyond the scope of the Green Paper to properly address.
  • Ecologically sustainable development must be the guiding principle of the NSW Planning legislation. In the long term, economic, social and ecological sustainability will be
    achieved only by a balanced approach to development, including the integration of natural and cultural heritage planning into the planning system.

I/We trust that you will give careful consideration to the issues raised above.

Yours sincerely,
Insert name and signature