Industry Updates
Planning knowledge, industry updates, and expert perspectives.
Stay informed with our curated articles and insights covering all aspects of development approvals, town planning, and social impact assessment. At Meliora Projects, we share practical guidance, project highlights, regulatory updates, and thought leadership to help clients, collaborators, and communities navigate the planning system with confidence.
Industry Updates
Planning knowledge, industry updates, and expert perspectives.
Meliora Projects prepares high-quality Social Impact Assessments that help clients understand, evaluate and respond to the social impacts of development proposals.
Our work supports clearer planning decisions by identifying how a project may affect people, places, community wellbeing, access, amenity, local character and sense of place.
We combine planning knowledge, social impact practice and stakeholder awareness to prepare assessments that are practical, evidence-informed and aligned with the relevant approval pathway.
Stay informed with our curated articles and insights covering all aspects of development approvals, town planning, and social impact assessment. At Meliora Projects, we share practical guidance, project highlights, regulatory updates, and thought leadership to help clients, collaborators, and communities navigate the planning system with confidence.
The IAP2 Spectrum May Be Changing: What the 2026 Recommendations Mean for Engagement in Australia
IAP2 International has released the Spectrum Evolution 2026 – Phase 2: What We Learned and Recommendations reports, bringing together feedback
Community Consultation in NSW Planning: What the Draft Statewide Plan Means for Developers
The NSW Government has officially released a draft Statewide Community Participation Plan for public exhibition. While it hasn’t been finalised
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
Important Update for Developers in the Hunter Region
Hunter Water has announced that from 1 July 2025, developer charges will increase from 25% to 50% as part of
RECENT INDUSTRY UPDATES
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will be making minor changes to the NSW Planning Portal development application form.
Planning for Bushfire Protection Addendum 2025: What You Need to Know
This week, the 2025 Addendum to Planning for Bush Fire Protection (PBP) has officially taken legislative effect in New South
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What kind of industry updates does Meliora Projects share?
• Our content covers regulatory changes, project insights, practical guidance, and expert commentary.
Who are these industry updates for?
• They are useful for anyone who wants clearer insight into the planning system.
Why does Meliora Projects publish planning and development articles?
• Our articles help readers make informed decisions with more confidence.
What topics are covered in your planning insights?
• We also share expert perspectives on current industry issues.
How can industry updates help with development approvals?
• This helps you prepare earlier and reduce confusion during your project.
What is social impact assessment and why does it matter?
• It matters because strong planning outcomes consider both development goals and community impact.
Do your articles include regulatory and policy updates?
• We share relevant updates that may affect planning decisions, project timelines, and compliance requirements.
Are your insights practical or just general commentary?
• We aim to provide useful information that helps you understand real planning issues and apply them to real projects.
Can these updates help communities better understand the planning system?
• Our content is designed to support clearer communication and help communities engage with planning matters more confidently.
How does Meliora Projects help clients navigate the planning system with confidence?
• Through our articles and updates, we give clients clearer direction on planning processes, approvals, and project considerations.