NSW needs a stronger and clearer strategic planning framework. But do the ‘A new approach to strategic planning’ discussion paper and draft Sydney Plan hit the mark? Shelter NSW welcomes the NSW Government’s renewed focus on strategic planning and housing delivery, and the recognition that reform is needed to better coordinate land use, infrastructure and growth.
The recent reforms and strategic planning process, however, seem to be taking the problem backwards. From our understanding, legislative changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act passed NSW Parliament before strategic planning was conducted. It should have been the other way around. And there has been limited consultation between NSW Government and councils around how they will be supported and resourced to undertake the much-needed actions of the draft Sydney Plan and upcoming regional plan.
In their current form, the documents read more like an interim progress statement than a fully developed, long-term and integrated spatial strategy capable of guiding housing and infrastructure outcomes over decades.
One of Shelter NSW’s key concerns is around how success is defined. The draft plan suggests that success means more homes built faster, close to jobs and transport. While increasing supply in well-located areas is important, approvals and completions alone are not reliable indicators of improved affordability, particularly for people living on lower incomes. From our perspective, a stronger framework would include clear, measurable outcomes tied to rental stress, growth in social and affordable housing stock, and genuine affordability benchmarks.
The statewide priority relating to Aboriginal outcomes would also benefit from further development. Commitments to “enabling Country in planning” need clearer objectives, accountability mechanisms, and meaningful partnership with First Nations communities to ensure strategic planning delivers tangible housing and land use benefits for First Nations peoples.
Finally, Shelter NSW questions whether a single plan covering all regional, rural and remote NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong can adequately reflect the diversity of these areas. Different regions face distinct economic, environmental and housing challenges. More tailored regional strategies may be better placed to respond to local needs.
NSW has an opportunity to establish a planning framework that is long-term, outcome-driven and equitable. Strengthening definitions of success, embedding clear affordable housing mechanisms, and recognising regional diversity will be essential to achieving that goal.
We look forward to hearing back from the Department whether they will amend the plans based on stakeholder feedback – including from local councils and the Planning Institute of Australia, who have significant expertise and on-the-ground experience in this space.