Introduction
On 24 August 2012, significant amendments were made by the NSW
Government to the transitional arrangements for major project
applications currently before the Department of Planning and
Infrastructure (Department) and which continue to
be assessed under the repealed Part 3A of the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). This update
explains the new, tighter deadlines which have been imposed in
relation to the assessment of such projects (known as
Transitional Part 3A Projects), and the
potentially severe consequences which flow if they are not met.
Overview
Part 3A was repealed on 1 October 2011, and a transitional
regime allowed two years from that date for proponents to submit an
environmental assessment. These amendments bring forward by 10
months the 'sunset date' for the submission of assessment
documents by proponents, to facilitate the Government's aim of
completing the assessment of all Transitional Part 3A Projects by
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