This seminar, organised by the Better Planning Network in association with the Hunter and Central Rivers Alliance, will look at the revised NSW planning laws that became operational in March 2018, with a specific focus on changes to state-significant development. RSVPs essential. Entry by donation at the door.
Presentation by Mr James Ryan. James is a solicitor focusing on environmental planning law and has a background in community activism in the Hunter Valley inspired by the widespread land clearing occurring as a result of property speculation, coal mining and urban development. James spent 12 years as an elected Councillor on Cessnock Council from 2004 until 2016 and in that time worked for the Total Environment Centre as a Community Organiser on the Regional Planning Strategies (2005-2008). As a solicitor James has experience in the private sector, as well as in community based environment law. His primary interest is in planning for ecological sustainability including community control over planning decisions and access to justice.
Background:
In the second reading of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Bill Amendment Bill 2017, Mr Scott MacDonald, MLC stated: “This Bill builds on the Government's agenda to cut red tape, and provide a faster and more flexible planning system for government and the communities we represent.”
“Cut red tape”… “faster and more flexible planning system”… these words are alarm bells for those concerned with thoroughness of assessment and dedication to genuine consultation, especially where concurrences are needed from other Departments on specialist areas of regulation.
The second reading speech further spoke of “enhancements to community participation, increased strategic planning, improved design, and provided more efficient approvals from New South Wales agencies and an improved compliance framework to ensure the approved works are actually the works constructed.”
These are just some of the questions that will be addressed at this seminar:
• How would the Minister judge whether a Modification is of “minimal environmental impact”?
• What are the new provisions for public notification of reasons for planning decisions and how will community views be taken into account?
• What do you need to know about the new Community Participation Plans?
• How will the penalties under the Act change?