The NSW Government has today announced the Planning System Acceleration Program to keep the industry moving throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Click here to access the full media release.

In summary, the Planning System Acceleration Program will:

1.  Create opportunities for more than 30,000 construction jobs in the next six
   months;
2. Fast-track assessments of State Significant Developments, rezonings and
   development applications (DAs), with more decisions to be made by the
   Minister if required;
3. Support councils and planning panels to fast-track local and regionally significant development applications;
4. Expedite the COVID-19 planning response by expanding the list of works that
   can be carried out without the need for planning approval, or under the fast tracked complying development pathway;
5. Introduce a ‘one stop shop’ for industry to progress projects that may be ‘stuck
   in the system’;
6. Clear the current backlog of cases stuck in the Land & Environment Court with
   additional Acting Commissioners; and
7. Invest $70 million to co-fund vital new community infrastructure in North West Sydney including roads, drainage and public parks to unlock plans for the
   construction of thousands of new houses.

Further details in relation to the Planning System Acceleration Program are expected in the coming weeks.