The NSW Government is rolling out a single set of rules for how communities have their say on planning proposals, replacing more than 100 separate plans currently operating across the state.
The new statewide Community Participation Plan takes effect from 1 September, standardising consultation requirements so residents have a consistent way to weigh in on planning decisions no matter where they live.
The plan puts greater focus on strategic planning and major, complex development applications, giving communities longer timeframes to have their say on proposals that set out where development and infrastructure should go. At the same time, it reduces the number of low-impact development types councils are required to exhibit, aiming to speed up assessment and decision-making.
The final plan was shaped by more than 1000 public submissions on the draft, and includes refinements to the list of low-impact development types excluded from notification, as well as changes affecting draft district and regional plans and Local Strategic Planning Statements. Local councils will still be able to tailor how they engage with their own communities, with supporting guidance on engagement strategies to be rolled out over the coming month.
The changes stem from the Minns Labor Government’s reforms to the nearly 50-year-old Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, which passed Parliament in November 2025 with almost universal support.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the new plan gave people a clearer way to take part in planning decisions.
“The new plan makes it clearer and simpler for people to understand when and how they can have their say on planning proposals,” Mr Scully said.
“By creating one clear statewide approach we’re giving everyone in NSW a fairer way to have their say, no matter where they live.”
“We don’t expect people to be experts to make a submission to the planning process but we want to make sure that people can have their say in a clear, simple and easily understood way.”
More information on the Community Participation Plan is available at planning.nsw.gov.au/statewide-community-participation-plan.
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