The Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) has announced that thousands of new homes, new industrial complexes and six schools are among the first wave of projects to have their assessments fast-tracked in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes said decisions would be made on the first tranche of projects within the next four weeks.
“This will mean shovel-ready projects can get underway and the construction pipeline can continue to grow,” Mr Stokes said.
“If approved, these projects will be a win-win for NSW: delivering jobs for today, and local community and business benefits tomorrow,” he said.
“It’s important to note that this is not a greenlighting exercise, the same stringent checks, balances and community consultation that ensures transparency, public benefit and merit-based assessment of projects remain.”
Mr Stokes said DPIE had developed the criteria for the fast-tracked assessment program in consultation with Government agencies and key industry groups.
“A probity advisor will continue to oversee and report on the fast-tracked process to ensure it is transparent and robust,” he said.
He said the projects identified in the first tranche had the potential to create almost 9,500 new jobs; inject $7.54 billion into the State’s economy; deliver more than 325,000 square metres of new public open space, parks and environmental conservation lands; and allow more than 4,400 new homes to be built.
A 3-page list of the tranche-one projects can be accessed at this PS News link.
