Executive summary of update

Effective date: 21 March 2026

This update introduces significant reforms aimed at streamlining planning processes and formalizing new administrative bodies. The most critical changes include the establishment and operationalization of the Housing Delivery Authority and Development Coordination Authority, the creation of a new "targeted assessment development" category with limited assessment criteria, and a "deemed approval" mechanism for minor development consent modifications. Additionally, environmental impact assessment for certain activities is now explicitly proportionate and risk-based, and past affordable housing conditions have been retrospectively validated. The primary intent is to accelerate development approvals and enhance administrative efficiency, with the most significant practical consequence being faster processing times for specific development types and clearer roles for new planning authorities.

Impacted parties

This update significantly impacts development applicants, consent authorities (including councils, panels, and the Minister), the newly established Housing Delivery Authority and Development Coordination Authority, and project managers involved in environmental impact assessments.

Change Analysis

1. Introduction of Targeted Assessment Development and Streamlined Assessment

What changed:

• A new definition for targeted assessment development has been added in Section 1.4.
• A new Division 4.3A (Sections 4.20A-4.20B) has been inserted, allowing State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) to declare development as "targeted assessment development" with specific criteria....