State Government amendments to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 come into effect from 25 November 2025.
The amendments are designed to streamline planning processes and support the State Government's initiative to deliver 800,000 homes over the next decade.
Among the key changes, new provisions regarding 'incomplete applications' will be implemented, allowing Council to notify applicants in situations where essential information is missing. Missing information could include the application fee, required documentation, and any relevant restrictive covenants. Under these new amendments Council can now notify applicants of an incomplete application within five business days of an application being received, giving applicants at least five business days to respond. Failure to comply will result in the application being deemed void, with any fees refunded.
Additionally, amendments under the new section 52A will empower the Minister to issue guidelines clarifying when notification of an application is required, enhancing consistency in the planning process.
The amendments also extend permit expiry timeframes from two to three years for commencement, and from four to five years for completion, providing applicants with more flexibility.
