On 9 January 2017 the NSW Government announced a number of proposed amendments to the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EP&A Act). The Minister for Planning, Ben Stokes stated that the proposed amendments are aimed to “build greater confidence in the planning system by enhancing community participation, strengthening upfront strategic planning and delivering greater probity and integrity in decision-making”. To begin the process, Minister Stokes released a public consultation draft of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2017 (the draft Bill) on 9 January 2017. The draft Bill will be exhibited until 10 March 2017 for public consultation and Council can make a submission in response to it any time before that date. [...]
