Property Council NSW Executive Director Anita Hugo said the package – the Draft Sydney Plan, a New Approach to Strategic Planning; Discussion Paper and a Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands – signalled another clear step towards a simpler, more delivery-focused planning system for which the Property Council has long advocated.
"We'll be carefully reviewing the detail of these plans with our members but we're heading in the right direction. For too long the planning system has been weighed down by layers of overlapping strategies, and uncertainty for councils, communities, and investors," Ms Hugo said.
"This trio of plans sets out clearer direction for the planning of growth across Sydney and our regions, removing complexity, aligning infrastructure, streamlining planning, and improving planning around industrial lands.
Ms Hugo said the announcement builds on key reforms championed by the Property Council – including the recently passed Planning System Reforms Bill and the NSW Housing Pattern Book – as part of a broader shift to a faster, more predictable planning environment.
"These are significant draft documents, and we look forward to engaging with government on the detail over the coming weeks as we unpack the real impacts these can have on realising more well-located homes and jobs.
"What is clear is that, taken together, the strategic framework and the new planning pathways can form the backbone of a modern system that is easier to navigate and more responsive to housing and employment needs," she said.
"The test now is faster, better decisions. Industry will be looking for this new framework to translate into more seamless planning, clearer rules at assessment and less duplication between agencies and councils."
Ms Hugo backed the Government's intent to secure more affordable and diverse housing but cautioned that new contributions must be calibrated to feasibility.
"Contributions, taxes, charges and planning delays all hit the same project bottom line," she said.
"The strategic framework is the right place to line up housing targets, infrastructure and contributions in a way that delivers without further impacting feasibility."
Ms Hugo said the statewide industrial lands policy is a welcome signal for long-term investment in jobs and productivity and responds directly to the Property Council's calls for greater certainty around employment land including how it is planned for and managed.
"Clear categories for industrial land can give business more confidence to invest in new areas while preserving employment lands in and around strategic infrastructure."
Ms Hugo said delivering on the promise of the reforms will require strong resourcing and capability across state agencies and local government.
"Today's announcement is a positive signal that NSW is serious about outcomes and shifting the dial on planning. Industry is ready to work with government to turn this blueprint into approvals, investment and the new homes and jobs the state needs."
