Greater Sydney Commission

Last week, the NSW Government introduced the Greater Sydney Commission Bill 2015 into parliament.    

Mr Stokes said the introduction of the Greater Sydney Commission Bill recognises the foundational importance of getting planning right in Sydney.

The Commission heralds a new approach to planning reform, with a clear focus on three main stumbling blocks in state-wide land use planning:

• Local council resistance to promote decisions that benefit the State when there is a chance the decision may be contrary to the views of local rate-payers
• Lack of strategic direction from the State on important urban planning matters
• Failure to adequately plan growth around infrastructure

The Commission will also be charged with developing district plans, finalising council’s Local Environmental Plans and will act as the decision-maker on rezoning proposals currently undertaken by the Minister.

The creation of the Greater Sydney Commission involves a transfer and consolidation of various state powers, and strong plan making functions.

The Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, says that the Commission is ‘about using existing powers more efficiently and more transparently’ and that the body is a ‘partnership’ between state and local government.  

This announcement follows consultation on the structure and operation of the Commission with councils, industry bodies, and community and environment groups.