On 13 May 2021, the NSW Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on Social Issues commenced a review of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) (Heritage Act). The proposed changes are intended to walk the fine line of making it easier and less expensive to own heritage property while also improving heritage outcomes. A tiered system for heritage protection and additional enforcement options are some of the items for consideration. The Committee is accepting submissions until 27 June 2021. Read more

The NSW Government is exhibiting a proposal to remove existing business and industrial zones in local environmental plans (LEPs) throughout the State and introduce five new employment zones. Read more

A draft Strategic Guide to Planning for Natural Hazards and a supporting toolkit has been prepared to help build the State’s natural hazards resilience through strategic planning. Read more

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on a package of reforms to fast-track more types of low-impact, complying development in business and industrial zones. Read more

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is seeking feedback on how to improve the way clause 4.6 (exceptions to development standards) operates and provide certainty to councils and the development industry. Read more

An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for the draft Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy (D&P SEPP) has been released for public consultation and is expected to streamline the delivery of good design in NSW. Read more

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released a draft regulatory strategy (Strategy) for public consultation. The Strategy will be one of a suite of new policies to be released by the EPA this year. Read more

NSW has introduced build-to-rent (BTR) housing into its planning framework, with a number of reforms effective immediately. This is part of the NSW Government’s broader policy of encouraging BTR housing to promote housing diversity and affordability. Read more