The New South Wales government has released a draft statewide Community Participation Plan, which would replace more than 100 existing plans for public input on planning proposals with a single, consistent process.
In a communique, the state government said the large quantity of plans had led to “inconsistent consultation practices and confusion for proponents, homeowners, community members and other stakeholders trying to engage with and navigate the planning system,” noting that “there can be different approaches on opposite sides of the same street” for community consultation and work notification requirements.
The draft Community Participation Plan aims to resolve these inconsistencies by standardising public exhibition and consultation requirements across the state, says the government.
Key changes include extending minimum consultation periods for significant state-level strategic planning initiatives from 45 to 60 days, standardising the process for notification of complying development across the state with a mandatory seven-day notice provided to neighbours before any works begin, and clarifying public exhibition requirements for types of local development so councils no longer need to exhibit straightforward developments such as compliant houses, sheds and pools.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the proposed planning reforms make it easier and clearer for communities to have their say on various planning proposals.
“The statewide Community Participation Plan means no matter where you live, you’ll know how and when to have your say on development in your neighbourhood,” said Scully.
The draft plan still allows councils to adapt their own community engagement strategies to suit local needs, as well as council plans and policies.
The draft statewide Community Participation Plan is on public exhibition until 3 June 2026.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
