Co-author by Stephanie Ritchie (Law Graduate)
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a considerable amount of
recent activity by Planning Ministers all over Australia, including
in NSW. These recent activities are discussed below, as well as an
update on the status of the reforms to the Independent Planning
Commission, which many energy and resources companies are keeping a
close eye on.
COVID-19 – Planning Ministers across Australia commit to
keep approvals running
On 20 April 2020, the Commonwealth Minister for Population,
Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge MP, issued a media
statement, affirming that swift changes will be made to the
planning regime to ensure development applications can be approved
at their usual pace despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuity
of the planning regime is aimed at keeping businesses and jobs
running as normal as possible, particularly in vital sectors such
as building and construction where the economic impact of the
