This week, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) released criteria to determine a project’s eligibility for fast-tracking under the new Planning System Acceleration Program. With this, DPIE has also announced the first 24 projects being assessed under this new program.
As discussed in our article on 04/06/2020, this program was implemented in an effort to solidify the significant role that the construction and development sector will have as a key economic driver during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
The three essential criteria are, jobs, timing and public benefit. NSW Government has advised “to be considered for a fast-tracked assessment, the development application (DA) or rezoning must already be in the system, deliver a public benefit, demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete, be able to commence construction within six months (for a State Significant Development application or State Significant Infrastructure application) or allow a DA to be lodged within six months (for a rezoning).”
The first 24 priority projects currently under assessment are expected to receive a decision in just four weeks. These projects include energy infrastructure, housing, educational institutes, resource recovery and waste facilities, community facilities and infrastructure and facilities for child care and aged care. These projects are quoted to have the potential to:
- Create almost 9,500 new jobs during construction and once complete;
- Inject $7.54 billion into the state’s economy;
- Deliver more than 325,000 square metres of new public open space, parks and environmental conservation lands; and
- Allow more than 4,400 new homes to be built, including more than 1,000 social and affordable homes.
For more information about the priority project criteria please contact our team of planners who are able to assist with review of your project’s suitability for this program.