A new planning system has started in New South Wales to make development approvals faster, simpler, and more coordinated.
The Development Coordination Authority (DCA) has been established as a central service to help applicants and councils receive planning advice from the NSW Government through one coordinated process.
Previously, some development applications could require input from up to 22 government agencies. Each additional review could add around 100 days to the assessment process.
The new system will provide a single NSW Government response within 28 days. It aims to reduce delays, remove unnecessary steps, and support the delivery of more homes.
The Development Coordination Authority will:
- Provide a single contact point for planning enquiries requiring government input.
- Deliver one coordinated response for development applications.
- Bring together experts from different areas to resolve issues more quickly.
- Provide technical advice for development applications, planning changes, and rezoning proposals.
- Help address issues after approval so major housing projects can begin construction sooner.
The new framework will also combine more than 800 planning requirements from 175 planning documents into a simpler system. The number of referral requirements has been reduced by almost 90 per cent, with fewer than 50 triggers remaining.
The changes will continue to protect important areas, including the environment, heritage sites, and bushfire management needs, while reducing unnecessary planning delays.
The updated planning system is part of wider housing reforms aimed at increasing housing supply and supporting better-connected communities.
Recent figures show housing approvals have increased, and planning approvals are now being processed faster than before.
The new system aims to help deliver more homes, support economic growth, and create communities with better access to transport and infrastructure.