Planning reform remains a key focus for state governments across Australia as they seek to streamline approval systems and strengthen trust in the planning process. There has been significant discussion surrounding the NSW Planning Reform Bill 2025, including community participation processes.
The Bill proposes key reforms to how community consultation is carried out across the state, aiming to address the long-standing issue of inconsistency across councils.
Currently, each local council prepares its own Community Participation Plan (CPP), which sets out how and when the public is consulted on Development Applications (DAs). In the absence of a CPP, the minimum requirements outlined in Schedule 1, Division 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 apply. While this localised approach was intended to respect different community needs, in practice it has resulted in a complex and inconsistent system where processes vary widely between Local Government Areas (LGAs).
For example, Hornsby Council has a 32 page document to advise that most applications will be notified for 14 days, major applications will be exhibited for 28 days, and minor modifications to DAs, temporary community advertisements and other matters deemed by Council to be minor will not be notified.
In contrast, the Hills DCP includes 1.5 pages noting that ‘local’ development will be exhibited for 14 days, but may be reduced to 7 days ‘in special circumstances’ or extended ‘depending on the circumstances of the case’. It also notes that Mandatory Advertised Development is specified in legislation as generally being 30 days. Six (6) types of minor development are listed as not requiring notification. These are quite different to those listed in Hornsby.
In the great majority of cases the two systems will result in the same exhibition period for any particular proposal. However, in each case you must read the fine print and wait until after lodgement to find out how Council will exercise its discretion.
“It is hard to see why the residents of one Council area need to be consulted differently to those in an adjoining Council area, or what benefit is provided by Sydney having 33 different Community Consultation Plans.”
Ian Cady, Director: Planning
The Planning Reform Bill seeks to introduce a single, statewide Community Engagement Plan that will apply uniformly to all councils and planning authorities in NSW. This consistent approach aims to simplify the engagement process, ensuring that all residents, regardless of location, have equal opportunities to participate in planning decisions that affect their neighbourhoods. It also seeks to reduce administrative burden, increase transparency, and promote fairness across the system.
This change reflects a broader shift across Australia toward consistency and efficiency in the planning process. For local governments, it provides a clear operational framework. For developers and communities, it removes uncertainty and ensures every voice is heard through a transparent, predictable process.
As the Christmas period approaches, this reform also serves as a timely reminder of the consultation exclusion period. Between 20 December and 10 January, days are not counted towards exhibition periods, even if some local provisions specify the last week of December and the first week of January (which is not always the same period).
So, as the festive season nears, you can head to the coast, switch off, and enjoy a well-earned rest – safe in the knowledge that the community will not miss out on your planning notice.
At Ratio, our NSW planning team continues to monitor the progress of the Bill and its implications for consultation and assessment processes. If you’d like to discuss how these changes may affect your projects or community engagement strategies, get in touch with our NSW Planning team at nswmail@ratio.com.au.
