Community urged to have a say on State's Planning System

14-December-2011

Port Stephens MP Craig Baumann has urged the community to become involved in the review of the state's planning laws.

NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard has released an Issues Paper which has summarised what communities have had to say on the current planning system and what they want changed.

"This is the biggest overhaul to planning laws in more than 30 years and the Issues Paper is the result of an extensive community consultation process," said Mr Baumann.

Nearly 2000 people attended 91 community forums across the state as part of the system review and more than 300 written submissions were received.

"People have made it clear that the current planning system is too complex and they want simpler processes.

"The Issues Paper now poses its own questions and seeks more feedback from the community in areas including development assessment, plan-making, appeals, reviews and compliance.

"We want to hear from the community and get more feedback in order for the panel to develop policy options for the Government. I urge the community to have their say as this will be a once in a generation opportunity for people to shape the legislation that determines how our region, communities and streets are shaped in the future.

The issues paper is available at www.planningreview.nsw.gov.au with submissions open until February 17th 2012.