The Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) has announced all public hearings and meetings are to be held online during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the NSW planning system moving.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes said the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 had been amended to set out the minimum requirements for all planning panels when holding public hearings and meetings using telephone and video conferencing.
“A fundamental part of the planning system is ensuring people can have their say and be listened to,” Mr Stokes said.
“We are also committed to ensuring decisions on development applications and planning proposals don’t come to a halt during the pandemic so we can keep our economy moving and keep creating new jobs,” he said.
“It’s important we are flexible during these unprecedented times and these changes will ensure the public’s voice continues to be heard on planning matters during this crisis.”
Mr Stokes said the amendments to the Regulation were vital to clarify the legal requirements for public hearings and meetings during the pandemic and ensure planning bodies could continue to operate without delay.
He said the amendments to the Regulation also aligned with the broader digital transformation agenda of the NSW Government.
