The NSW Government is proposing new planning rules which it says will help make better use of industrial land, back investment and create jobs across the state.
The proposed changes on public exhibition from today, will modernise planning controls and streamline approval pathways, said Planning Minister, Paul Scully.
“The Minns Labor Government is making commonsense changes to expand the industrial land our state needs to power its economy and support jobs, not just for today but for the decades ahead,” said Mr Scully.
“Industrial land is the backbone of our freight and logistics networks. Every time you order an online package or have your groceries delivered, it comes through an industrial or employment zone to get to you.
“Fairer, clearer, simpler rules cut red tape, back business investment and lift productivity.
“With these reforms we have delivered every action in our Industrial Lands Action Plan, a stronger framework to protect, manage and grow industrial land across the state. We said we would do it and we have.”
The Plan’s first action, the Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands, was finalised in August, to establish a framework to manage the supply of industrial land across NSW.
Mr Scully said this exhibition completes every action under the Plan, delivering on the Government’s commitment to strengthen the planning framework for industrial land across NSW.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is also progressing separate, minor amendments to industrial land planning controls in response to stakeholder feedback.
These are expected to take effect before the end of the year.
The Government has also released the proposed Industrial Lands Categorisation for Regional NSW, the Central Coast and Lower Hunter, identifying industrial land by its role, scale, infrastructure connections and economic contribution.
The proposed framework classifies industrial lands as state significant, regionally significant or locally significant, guiding planning decisions so land is available in the right locations to meet future demand.
The framework sets indicative targets for development ready industrial land of:
- 50 hectares a year across the Central Coast and Lower Hunter;
- 40 hectares a year across Regional NSW.
Investigation Areas have also been identified to explore opportunities to unlock additional industrial land and address infrastructure and servicing constraints.
The planning changes and the industrial lands categorisation are being exhibited separately, with both exhibitions closing at 5pm Thursday, 26 November.
For more information, visit NSW Planning.
