The NSW Government is introducing a new statewide Community Participation Plan from 1 September 2026, aimed at making it simpler and more consistent for communities to have their say on planning proposals.
The new plan will replace more than 100 separate community participation plans currently operating across NSW, creating a more standardised approach to consultation requirements across the state.
The plan places greater emphasis on consultation for strategic planning and major or complex development proposals, while reducing exhibition requirements for some lower-impact development applications.
It also provides longer consultation periods for certain strategic planning proposals that shape where future development and infrastructure may occur.
More than 1,000 submissions were received during consultation on the draft plan, with feedback used to refine the final version.
Changes in the final plan include refinements to the list of lower-impact development types that may be excluded from notification and exhibition, as well as revised consultation arrangements for draft district and regional plans and Local Strategic Planning Statements.
Local councils will still be able to tailor how they engage with their communities, with additional guidance on engagement strategies to be rolled out following the plan’s commencement.
The reform follows changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act passed by the NSW Parliament in November 2025, which were designed to simplify and modernise parts of the planning system.
The statewide Community Participation Plan will take effect on 1 September 2026.
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