NSW Planning Reforms Phase Two: More Fast-Track Approvals & Streamlined Assessment Pathways
The 2026 NSW Planning Reforms introduce fast-track approvals, the Housing Delivery Authority, and Targeted Assessment Pathways. Learn how developers can reduce approval timeframes by up to 50%
HDA SEARs Now Expire in 9 Months – What This Means for Proponents
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (State and Regionally Significant Development) Regulation 2026 has introduced a significant procedural shift.
NSW Planning System Reform Bill passes Parliament
For many years, the planning system in NSW has become increasingly complex, slow and expensive. That has held back the delivery of new homes, jobs and infrastructure. The NSW Parliament has approved the landmark Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, ushering in what many are calling the most significant update in a generation to the […]
NSW Planning Reforms 2025 – What They Mean for Communities and Developers
The NSW Government has introduced a new set of planning reforms designed to make the system faster, clearer, and more consistent. These changes won’t replace the planning framework entirely, but they will update how development applications (DAs) approvals and community consultation are handled across the state. At Meliora Projects, our team of town planners in […]
Housing Assessment Guide NSW – Essential for Developers
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has released the updated Guide to Faster Assessments for State Significant Development (SSD) Housing Applications, a major shift aimed at boosting housing supply and streamlining approvals. Who it applies to SSD housing projects lodged under: Key features of the updated process: It is important to highlight the […]
NCC 2022 Amendment 2 – Regulatory Update
Starting 29 July 2025, the latest NCC update, known as NCC 2022 Amendment 2, will officially take effect across all Australian states and territories, replacing Amendment 1 for any new building applications. This update brings the National Construction Code (NCC) in line with the revised Premises Standards, incorporating the updated AS 1428.1:2021 – Design for […]
MidCoast Council DA Changes from 1st of August
Important updates are coming to Development Applications (DAs) submitted within the MidCoast region. From 1 August 2025, all planning professionals, developers, and consultants must comply with stricter DA lodgement requirements set by MidCoast Council. These changes are being introduced in response to the NSW Government’s Faster Assessments Program and the Minister’s Statement of Expectations. Both […]
Refinements to SIA Guidance – July 2025 Update Released
The NSW Social Impact Assessment Guidelines for State significant projects have undergone notable refinements in July 2025, building on the February 2023 version and reinforcing the clarity, rigour, and accountability of social impact practice. These changes aim to improve accountability, transparency, and ensure that community wellbeing is a measurable and considered outcome of planning decisions. […]
Understanding NSW’s Updated Crown Development Application Provisions
In May 2025, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure released Planning Circular PS 25-002, updating the framework for Crown development application processes in NSW under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). This circular replaces the previous Circular D6 and provides guidance for councils, applicants, and practitioners on the provisions applicable […]
NSW 2025–26 Budget: What It Means for Planning Professionals and the Industry
The newly released NSW Budget 2025 signals a continued push to deliver more, faster, and with better-resourced planning systems to support them. Here is Meliora’s snapshot: Planning System Reforms & Funding $253.7 million investment to bolster the State’s planning system, including assessing more development applications and delivering additional State-led rezonings. $20.4 million allocated to improve […]