Glen Innes Severn Council has escalated its call for practical, evidence-based planning reforms, writing to the NSW Planning Minister to address what it says are the “real causes” of housing shortages in regional communities.
The Council says its reforms, developed through Council’s on-the-ground planning experience, focus on regional housing delay challenges, rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions designed for metropolitan areas.
As part of its advocacy, Council has written directly to the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully and lodged a detailed submission with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure outlining a pathway for reform that improves housing delivery while maintaining environmental safeguards, bushfire protections and local accountability.
Mayor, Margot Davis said Council supports the State’s objective of increasing housing supply but believes reform must be practical and proportionate.
“Regional councils want to be part of the solution to the housing challenge,” Mayor Davis said.
“What we are advocating for is smarter reform – reform that fixes the planning system where delays actually occur, rather than shifting risk to communities or weakening protections.”
Council’s advocacy focuses on two key structural issues within the NSW planning system:
- the development assessment process for standard, low-risk housing; and
- the Local Environmental Plan amendment process that controls when land can be released for housing.
Among the reforms proposed by Council are: - a streamlined Building Application pathway for low-risk housing to remove routine dwellings from the full development assessment system;
- a tailored, risk-based Local Plan Amendment pathway to allow straightforward rezonings to progress in months rather than years;
- expanded access for rural and regional councils to State housing delivery mechanisms; and
- continued use of local knowledge and accountability in planning decisions.
Mayor Davis said these reforms would deliver faster housing outcomes without compromising safety, environmental integrity or community confidence.
“We can approve homes faster and unlock land sooner, while still protecting what matters to our communities,” she said.
“This is about getting planning reform right for all of NSW, not just the cities.”
Council says it is now working with the Planning Minister’s office to arrange a meeting to discuss the proposed reforms and explore opportunities for collaboration.
“We welcome the opportunity to meet with the Minister and have a constructive conversation about reforms that work for the whole state,” Mayor Davis said.
“Regional councils want to be active partners in delivering housing, and we’re ready to help shape solutions that actually work on the ground.”
