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Have your say on sweeping changes to NSW planning laws

April 24th 2013

It's time to take a stand against the most significant changes to our state's planning and environmental laws in a generation.

Recently, the NSW Government released its planning White Paper together with a draft Planning Bill.

The sweeping planning reforms proposed in the White Paper signal a significant backward step for public participation and environmental assessment.

The White Paper proposes applying a fast track ‘code assessment’ approach to more than 80% of developments, including commercial buildings, apartment blocks and land subdivisions. Local councils will not be able to refuse proposals which comply with relevant codes.

The White Paper and Exposure Bill can be downloaded from the Department's website.

Submissions on the White Paper and Exposure Bill can be made until 28 June 2013.

NCC has prepared a Submission Guide to assist members and supporters in preparing their own submissions to the White Paper. The submission guide, and other useful information, is available to download below.

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Community voice silenced in 80 per cent of development decisions

April 16th 2013

Local residents will be denied a say in 80 per cent of development decisions under sweeping planning reforms unveiled today by the state government, according to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.

“This is the most significant backward step on public participation in more than a generation,” said Pepe Clarke, NCC Chief Executive Officer.

“Since the current planning legislationwas introduced in 1979, members of the community have had a right to comment on the large majority of development proposals.

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Take action to protect the laws that protect the places you love

October 9th 2012

Under pressure from big business and the mining industry, governments are moving forward with an aggressive plan to wind back our environmental protection laws. 

In the guise of cutting ‘green tape’, government and industry propose to hand important federal approval powers to the states, and fast track approvals for large developments. 

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Take action: Raise your concerns about the Green Paper with your local MP

October 9th 2012

In July 2012, the NSW Government released its Green Paper outlining proposals for a new planning system in NSW. The Government’s vision presents a real threat for the environment and communities.

Developers have been quick to claim that the Green Paper delivers everything they have asked for:

“The Urban Taskforce listed 10 key ideas for a better planning system in our submission to the planning review, and the Government’s Green Paper delivers on every one of these”.

        Urban Taskforce Media Release dated 15 July 2012

Submissions to the Green Paper closed on 14 September 2012 and the Government is in the process of preparing a White Paper which will provide further detail on the Government’s proposed new planning system.

We must ensure that developers do not dominate this important reform process. We must maintain the pressure on Government to deliver a planning system that protects the environment and our communities.

TAKE ACTION NOW – Please contact your local MP and raise your concerns with the Government’s proposals for a new planning system in NSW

A template letter and Guide to Meeting your Local MP prepared by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and Total Environment Centre are available to download below.

For more information please contact the Nature Conservation Council of NSW on (02) 9516 1488 or policy@nccnsw.org.au

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Our Environment, Our Communities: Planning for Sustainable Development

August 23rd 2012

The Nature Conservation of Council of NSW, together with the Total Environment Centre and EDO NSW have launched their report Our Environment, Our Communities – Integrating environmental outcomes and community engagement in the NSW planning system .

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Take action: Make a submission in response to the Green Paper

August 9th 2012

The NSW Government has recently released its Green Paper outlining proposals for a new planning system in NSW.

The Government’s vision for planning in NSW presents a real threat for the environment and communities.

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Green Paper released - planning system review

July 20th 2012

The NSW Government has released the Green Paper – the Government’s response to the report of the independent planning system review.

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Communique from Environment Groups National Summit on the threats to environmental laws,Canberra 17th May 2012

June 15th 2012

 

Environment groups from across Australia met today in Canberra to challenge recent attacks on Federal and State environmental protection measures.

 

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Planning System Review: Extension of Submission Closing Date

February 13th 2012

The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure had approved an extension on submissions on the Planning System Review Issues Paper until midnight, Friday 2 March 2012
 
We encourage our members and other conservation groups to consider making a submission to the Planning System Review. Submissions can be as simple as a one page letter setting out your key concerns.
 
This is our chance to ensure that a new planning system:

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NSW's largest housing development overturned a second time by court

July 7th 2011

NCC member group Sweetwater Action Group has successfully had NSW's largest housing development for 7500 dwellings overturned a second time by the Land and Environment Court.

Sweetwater Action Group President Chris Parker called it a "sweet victory", with the firmly believing the State government was wrong to accept the same development again after it had been thrown out by the Land and Environment Court in 2009.

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© 2012 Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales Australia Inc. Except where otherwise explicitly authorised, any material on this website which may be construed as electoral material or an electoral matter under any State or Commonwealth Law is authorised by Pepe Clarke, on behalf of the Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales Australia Inc.  Level 2, 5 Wilson Street, Newtown NSW 2042 Tel +61 2 9516 1488 Fax +61 2 8026 8301. Privacy

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