I am delighted to present the NSW Government’s planning White Paper – a once in a generation transformation of the NSW planning system.

At its core the new planning system will:

• Ensure communities can participate upfront in planning decisions
• Drive economic growth and opportunities across NSW; and
• Provide certainty for all the stakeholders in the planning process.

The White Paper – A New Planning System for NSW builds on the NSW Government’s other planning achievements.
 
In the past two years we have restored integrity and transparency to the planning system. This includes abolishing Part 3A and returning planning powers to local communities.

As a result of our efforts we have boosted housing, jobs and economic activity. ABS figures show over the last two years, the resurgent housing sector in NSW has been outperforming the rest of Australia in new housing approvals and new home completions are at their highest level since 2006.

I encourage you to have your say on the NSW Government’s planning White Paper. The White Paper and draft legislation are available at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/newplanningsystem and will be on exhibition until Friday 28 June 2013.

Yours sincerely,

Brad Hazzard MP
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW