Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has acknowledged the passage of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 through the NSW Parliament overnight.
LGNSW President, Phyllis Miller OAM said councils recognised the need for sensible streamlining to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of plan-making and development assessment processes.
“The passage of the Bill represents a significant change to the planning landscape. We know there are diverse views among our members as well as local communities about its potential impacts, reflecting the diversity of our communities and the importance of local planning to their character and liveability,” President Miller said.
The Bill introduces a suite of changes to streamline planning approvals, provide greater certainty for industry and communities, and cut unnecessary red tape, and has received widespread support through the NSW Parliament.
“The Bill’s passage represents a major step forward for NSW housing and planning reform,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“For too long, NSW has been held back by a system that was slow, complex and out of step with the necessity to deliver more homes for those who need them.
“These reforms will help us build more homes faster, in the right places, giving young people and families the chance to access a home.”
Key reforms include:
- Establishing the Development Coordination Authority – a single front door for advice on major projects across NSW government agencies;
- Enshrining the Housing Delivery Authority in legislation to make sure there is an enduring, state-wide focus on housing delivery;
- Expanding Complying Development pathways to enable faster approvals for low-impact development;
- Introducing a new Targeted Assessment Pathway for developments already subject to strategic planning and community consultation;
- Amending the EP&A Act’s objects to include housing delivery, climate resilience and proportionality for the first time;
- Replacing more than 100 consultation plans with a single, state-wide Community Participation Plan;
- Removing unnecessary duplication, including regional planning panels and outdated assessment pathways.
The Bill also enshrines the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) in legislation, granting it powers to override local planning controls.
President Miller said LGNSW remained opposed to the HDA in its current form, as major development proposals and ad hoc rezonings submitted to the HDA had no clear links to adopted plans and strategies that local communities have developed with their council.
However, a lower house amendment to the Bill introduced a review clause for the Housing Delivery Authority, which LGNSW considered an important addition.
“LGNSW has insisted that our sector be part of the implementation of these reforms, so I thank the Premier and Minister Scully for committing in their media release to working with councils on the implementation of the reforms. We need to make sure these reforms deliver practical, fair and lasting benefits for our communities,” President Miller said.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said the Government will now work with industry, local Government and professional bodies on the implementation of the reforms.
“The overwhelming support of the parliament for the Bill demonstrates a shared commitment to tackling NSW’s housing challenges and enabling a modern economy,” said Mr Scully.
“This does not mean that we will take our foot off the pedal. If anything, the real work starts now, and we will be working hard to see these reforms implemented.
“This Bill will enable a planning system fit for the 21st century, one that supports housing and energy delivery, encourages job creation, investment and builds better communities.
“I thank my parliamentary colleagues for recognising that reform was overdue and working constructively to help deliver it,” he said.
