NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act reform

Regional Cities NSW has provided a roadmap for reforming cities the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act to support more houses being built more often in regional NSW.

Our report includes case studies from Dubbo, Griffith, Maitland, Lismore and Tweed and highlights how complex planning pathways, rigid zoning rules, limited local autonomy and outdated infrastructure funding models are slowing housing delivery across regional New South Wales.

Population growth in our member cities is surging, driven by lifestyle changes, remote work and cost of living pressures in Sydney. 

Without faster, more flexible planning systems, this growth will further embed record-low rental vacancies, rising property prices and an acute shortage of homes for residents, workers and those recovering from natural disasters. 

Our report, Issues Impacting Regional Housing and Case Studies, makes clear that housing delivery will stall unless legislative bottlenecks are addressed.

Our recommendations are practical and targeted. They include:

  • fast-tracking Local Environmental Plan amendments;

  • introducing statutory timeframes for state agency referrals;

  • removing developer contribution caps;

  • embedding perpetual affordable housing requirements; 

  • stronger regulation of short-term rentals;

  • deferred zoning to curb land banking; and 

  • planning rules to help reduce homelessness.

We want to cut red tape and unlock well-located, affordable and diverse housing to allow regional communities to thrive. 

You can read the full report here: Regional Cities NSW – Reports & Submissions.

Edwina Blackburn