The NSW Government's Planning System Acceleration Program is on track to reach its target of creating opportunities for 30,000 jobs in half the time originally anticipated.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced a further 19 planning projects that will have their assessments fast-tracked through the program, which, if approved, will see the State reach its jobs target in three months instead of six.
"When we approve projects, we create jobs; it's as simple as that," Ms Berejiklian said.
"If approved, this latest tranche of projects will see $4.7 billion invested in our State and deliver almost 15,000 jobs," Ms Berejiklian said.
Projects in the third tranche of the program include an over-station development at Sydney Metro Victoria Cross, a new solar farm, a new school in Camden, affordable housing in Gosford, and a land release in Yass Valley that will allow more than 5,000 new homes to be built.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said getting shovel-ready projects out the door as fast as possible is helping NSW rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"So far this program has unlocked $1 billion of economic investment a week – far surpassing any other State's planning acceleration programs," Mr Stokes said.
To date, 48 major projects have had their assessments finalised through the program, which has created opportunities for more than 25,000 jobs, $13 billion in economic benefit, more than 8,000 new homes and more than 2 million square metres of open space, parks and land for environmental conservation.
"We're establishing a new normal for the NSW planning system, with faster decision-making and simpler processes. And with local councils now following our lead with their own acceleration programs, NSW will remain the pounding heart of the Australian economy."
To be considered for a fast-tracked assessment through the Planning System Acceleration Program, a development application (DA) or rezoning must already be in the State's system, deliver a public benefit, demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete, be able to commence construction within six months (for a State Significant Development application or State Significant Infrastructure application) or allow a DA to be lodged within six months (for a rezoning).
Decisions on projects in Tranche 3 of the Planning System Acceleration Program will be made by 17 July 2020.
