NSW Planning System Reforms Bill 2025

The NSW Government has introduced the Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, the most comprehensive update to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act since 1979.

The reforms are aimed at simplifying the planning framework, accelerating housing delivery and giving greater certainty to councils, communities and industry.

Key changes include:

•  Establishment of a new Development Coordination Authority as a single front door for NSW Government Agencies to provide advice on Development Applications and Planning Proposals

• Formal recognition of the Housing Delivery Authority in legislation to strengthen housing supply

• Expansion of complying development and creation of a Targeted Assessment Pathway to streamline approvals

• Remove the regionally significant development pathway and regional planning panels that have created unnecessary duplication and delays in planning decisions

• Update appeal options and review processes to encourage disputes to be resolved outside of the Land and Environment Court

• Standardised conditions, clearer timeframes and proportional assessment processes to cut duplication and delays

This is a major step in improving the way NSW plans and delivers the homes and infrastructure needed to support a growing population.

The Bill is now before the NSW Parliament and will move through both houses for debate before it can be passed into law.

At Mecone, we support the direction of these reforms with the express aim of accelerating much-needed housing and look forward to working with government, councils and industry to help deliver real outcomes.

Read the full media release here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/planning-system-reform-to-help-build-nsws-future