The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (State and Regionally Significant Development) Regulation 2026 has introduced a significant procedural shift.
For development declared State Significant by Ministerial planning order that includes residential accommodation:
+Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) now expire 9 months after notice is given.
+Extensions of up to 3 months may be granted.
+Extensions can be granted more than once, however the total extension period cannot exceed 3 months.
+The change applies retrospectively – existing SEARs are captured.
+This is not a minor administrative update.
It fundamentally changes project programming for:
+HDA pathways
+SSD residential projects
+Complex EIS preparation
The 9-month clock increases pressure on:
+Early consultant coordination
+Social Impact Assessment & Environmental Impact Assessment timing
+Engagement sequencing
+Technical study integration
Important: If SEARs lapse, the process resets.
For proponents navigating SSD residential projects, this amendment reinforces one thing – programme discipline is now a planning risk variable.
At Meliora Projects, we are reviewing live projects against this timeframe to ensure alignment and avoid unnecessary exposure.
If you have active SEARs issued, now is the time to review your programme.
