The Minns Labor Government's landmark Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 has passed both houses of Parliament with overwhelming support, paving the way for a faster, fairer and modern planning system.
The passage of the Bill marks the most significant overhaul of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in a generation, modernising the foundational legislation of the state's housing, jobs, infrastructure, and energy delivery.
For decades, the planning system has grown overly complex and slow, holding back the delivery of new homes, job creating investments and adding unnecessary costs and delays to the construction pipeline. These reforms will help clear the bottlenecks and make the system work for communities, councils, and builders alike.
The Bill introduces a suite of changes to streamline planning approvals, provide greater certainty for industry and communities, and cut unnecessary red tape, and has received widespread support through the NSW Parliament.
Key reforms include:
- Establishing the Development Coordination Authority - a single front door for advice on major projects across NSW government agencies.
- Enshrining the Housing Delivery Authority in legislation to make sure there is an enduring, state-wide focus on housing delivery.
- Expanding Complying Development pathways to enable faster approvals for low-impact development.
- Introducing a new Targeted Assessment Pathway for developments already subject to strategic planning and community consultation.
- Amending the EP&A Act's objects to include housing delivery, climate resilience and proportionality for the first time.
- Replacing more than 100 consultation plans with a single, state-wide Community Participation Plan.
- Removing unnecessary duplication, including regional planning panels and outdated assessment pathways.
The Minns Labor Government has delivered the largest housing and planning reform agenda in the state's history, including the Transport Oriented Development Program, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus, new Renewable Energy Planning Framework and the Investment Delivery Authority.
Together, these initiatives are designed to make it easier to build the homes and create the jobs that NSW needs, and support young people, families and key workers finding a home in the communities they love.
The Government will now work with industry, local Government and professional bodies on the implementation of the reforms.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"The Bill's passage represents a major step forward for NSW housing and planning reform.
"For too long, NSW has been held back by a system that was slow, complex and out of step with the necessity to deliver more homes for those who need them.
"These reforms will help us build more homes faster, in the right places, giving young people and families the chance to access a home."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"The overwhelming support of the parliament for the Bill demonstrates a shared commitment to tackling NSW's housing challenges and enabling a modern economy.
"This does not mean that we will take our foot off the pedal. If anything, the real work starts now, and we will be working hard to see these reforms implemented.
"This Bill will enable a planning system fit for the 21st century, one that supports housing and energy delivery, encourages job creation, investment and builds better communities.
"I thank my parliamentary colleagues for recognising that reform was overdue and working constructively to help deliver it."
