NSW Reforms: The New EP&A Amendment Act 2025 No. 24
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Category — NSW Reforms Series
As part of the New South Wales Government's broader efforts to improve the planning process, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 has been amended. On 11 November 2025, the new Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Act 2025 No. 24 (the new ‘Act’) was passed, introducing foundational changes with a focus on streamlining planning processes and aligning them with state-wide priorities.
Key provisions of the new Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Act 2025
Housing Targets:
The Minister for Planning can now set housing targets for councils.
Six Cities Region Plan:
Replaced with a whole-of-state strategic planning approach.
- Independent Planning Commission (IPC) referral requirement removed for residential State Significant Development declarations.
- Additionally, SSD Applications would have an exhibition period shortened from 28 days to 14 days.
Designated Local Government Areas in Sydney:
Schedule 9 now clearly states all LGAs, thus reducing ambiguity.
- Definitions for ‘District’, ‘Region’, and ‘Strategic Plan’ are clarified.
- District Strategic Plans have been made optional and subject to ministerial direction.
- Regional strategic plans must be reviewed every five years.
- Section 7.32 will apply to areas identified in SEPPs.
- Affordable housing conditions are validated.
Our initial thoughts
The new Act lays the groundwork for the broader reforms introduced through the Planning Systems Reforms Bill, enacted in September 2025, which builds upon the objectives of the Act through:
- improving assessment timeframes for State Significant Development (SSD) involving residential uses,
- promoting consistency through the adoption of state-wide planning policies in place of fragmented local approaches, and
- strengthening the implementation and monitoring of housing targets.
Read more about the Planning System Reform Bill 2025 in our next article, or contact our NSW Planning Team to discuss the impact of these changes in more detail.
Karmi Palafox
Principal Town Planner
Sydney / Gamaragal Country
Corne van Rooyen
Associate Town Planner
Sydney / Gamaragal Country
Read more about the new Act, and the Planning Systems Reform Bill 2025 here.
NSW Reforms Series
Planning System Reform Bill 2025
Investment Delivery Authority
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Pattern Book
