The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) recently invited submissions on improving the Secretary’s practice note that deals with the review of draft section 94 (now section 7.11) contributions plans by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). DPE requested industry comments on both the assessment process for contributions plans and the contents of the […]

A simpler and more coordinated contributions system is key to reducing development delays
The notion time is money is a daily reality for the development industry amidst the balancing act of prudent planning, infrastructure provision, and budget management by government. Despite a sustained increase in housing approvals in Sydney, uncertainty and delays still plague the planning system, particularly in infrastructure contributions. Greenfield developers will start to feel […]

Sydney’s infrastructure lag: what can planning do about it?
It seems that every day there is a news story about Sydney’s clogged infrastructure—whether it’s roads, public transport, hospitals, or schools. Yet the congestion we are currently experiencing was predictable. Notwithstanding the good intentions of our strategic plans, the people of Sydney are suffering the cumulative effects of many short-term decisions. Instead of keeping […]

Tallawong Station Interim Activation Area and Placemaking
‘Interim activation’ or ‘meanwhile use’ is the temporary use of land until it is developed for its final purpose. GLN Planning was engaged by Landcom to obtain planning approval for a recreation area at Tallawong Station, Rouse Hill. The project aim was to provide a space for local amenity, early activation and community engagement opportunities […]

4 Ideas for a Simpler System
Introduction Simplicity – freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts The NSW Government, through the NSW Productivity Commission, is undertaking a comprehensive review of the NSW infrastructure contributions system. Recently the Commission exhibited an issues paper, inviting industry and community feedback on the key issues facing the system. The Commission articulates four principles of […]