Articles
Articles packed with planning insights and expert views.
At Meliora Projects, our articles offer practical advice, project features, regulatory news, and professional insights. We help clients, collaborators, and communities understand development approvals, town planning, and social impact assessments with clarity and confidence.
Census 2026: Why Australia’s Most Important Dataset Matters for Social Impact Assessment and Community Engagement
On Tuesday 11 August 2026, Australia will once again undertake its largest national data collection, the Australian Census. For most
How to Rezone Land in Wyee, NSW: A Guide for Property Owners
Learn how rezoning land in Wyee NSW may unlock residential development opportunities. A guide for property owners exploring subdivision and planning proposals in Lake Macquarie.
Owner’s Consent for NSW Development Applications: Requirements Explained
When it comes to development planning in New South Wales, Owner’s consent becomes the most vital legal prerequisite for any
When is a Social Impact Statement (SIS) Required in Waverley?
Learn when a Social Impact Statement or Social Impact Assessment is required for development in Bondi and Waverley under the Waverley Council SIA Guidelines.
Flyers Aren’t Engagement: Why Strategic Community Engagement Matters in NSW Planning
In the NSW planning system, community engagement is often misunderstood. Distributing flyers is a notification. Engagement is dialogue. That difference
Every Site Has a Social Context
Before assessing a project from a social impact perspective – or shaping an engagement strategy – we examine the broader
When is the right time to start the engagement process?
Discover the right time to start stakeholder and community engagement in NSW planning approvals and how proper timing supports smoother assessment and better outcomes.
Social Impact Assessment for State Significant Development in NSW — a practical guide for Dubbo proponents
Planning an State Significant Development (SSD) in Dubbo or regional NSW? This practical guide explains how SIA Assessment fits into SEARs & the EIS.
Why Is Strategic Town Planning Key to Urban Growth?
Sydney alone is forecast to welcome more than 1.7 million additional residents by 2041. Without a plan, where will they
Can Independent Project Management Deliver Better Governance?
In the complex world of property development and urban planning, strong governance is the difference between smooth project delivery and
What’s the Best Way to Manage Land Use Conflict in NSW?
As urban expansion increasingly overlaps with agricultural and industrial activities, land use conflict has become a growing challenge in regional
NSW Planning Laws: Debunking Common Development Myths
In the fast-paced world of planning and development, misinformation is everywhere, especially when it comes to what needs approval, what’s
How Can You Choose the Right SEARS for Your Project?
Navigating the environmental planning process in New South Wales can feel like a maze.. Understanding the difference between iSEARS and
What council areas will require social impact assessments?
In New South Wales (NSW), the requirement for a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) depends on the scale, nature, and potential impacts of a proposed development, rather than being uniformly mandated by specific local councils.
Why a Feasibility Assessment is an Essential Part of the Development Approval Process
Understanding the value of early-stage planning analysis in achieving successful development outcomes
When it comes to town planning and securing development approval, one of the most critical—but often underestimated—steps in the process is the feasibility assessment.
Accelerating Housing Development in New South Wales: The Role of the Housing Delivery Authority
In response to the growing housing demand across New South Wales (NSW), the state government has established the Housing Delivery