The Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) is one step closer this week after the Bill, to introduce the GSC and a strategic and region-wide approach to planning, passed both houses of parliament yesterday.
The Bill when gazetted will:
- Establish the GSC,
- Establish a Sydney planning panel which will operate as joint regional planning panels (JRPPs), and
- Amend the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to authorise the GSC to make LEPs and to establish a scheme of regional and district plans for strategic planning in the Greater Sydney Region.
Minor amendments to the Bill, introduced by the opposition to strengthen infrastructure delivery and clarify aims and functions of the Commission were approved on Thursday.
The proposed Greater Sydney Commission Act and amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 will provide the legislative and operational framework for the Commission which will consist of 13 appointees:
- Independent Chair (who will report to the Minister for Planning)
- Three Commissioners (Social, Environment and Economic)
- District Commissioners (6)
- Secretaries of the
- Department of Planning and Environment
- Transport for NSW
- NSW Treasury.
Recruitment for Commissioners is underway and appointment announcements imminent. The GSC will be supported by a CEO and a small number staff who will report to the Chair and Secretary for the Department of Planning and Environment.
The functions of the GSC will be to provide advice and make recommendations to the Minister on matters relating to the planning and development in the Greater Sydney Region, including the implementation of those plans. The key role will be to implement ‘A Plan for Growing Sydney’, released in 2014 for the future of the Sydney Metropolitan Area over the next 20 years.
The Commission will be supported by a Finance and Governance Committee, Infrastructure Delivery Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and Sydney Planning Panel. Various Commissioners will be appointed to the committees and panels and additional representation will be nominated from councils and other Government departments, including Health and Education. These Committees will enable the integration of Government infrastructure decision-making with land use planning.
It is anticipated that the GSC will provide a new focus on and sound framework for strategic planning within the Greater Metropolitan Area. Recently, there has been a flood of strategic announcements and proposals for planning and infrastructure delivery in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. These key projects aim to transform and grow city areas and are key drivers for future employment and development. The GSC will ensure the projects and associated development ties in with a Sydney-wide approach and respond effectively to the challenges inherent in a growing global city. Urbis eagerly awaits the announcement of the Commissioners, to be appointed by the Minister, and to the release of the long awaited draft District Plans (previously referred to as sub regional strategies) that will be finalised by the Commission.
The new focus on strategic planning can also apply in other regions, as determined by the Minister. It is the Government’s intention that, over time, the new strategic planning approach will be implemented across the State.
More information on the Bill and details of the structure and role of the GSC are available here.
Urbis will continue to monitor the progress of the introduction of the GSC and keep you informed of forthcoming regulatory changes which will set out in detail the processes and procedure for the GSC. It is anticipated the GSC will be operational from January 2016, however regardless of the timing, transitional arrangements will need to be introduced to ensure a smooth flow between the function of the current JRPPs and the new Sydney planning panel.
To discuss any of your concerns or queries please contact one of our Sydney Planning Directors.
 Tim Blythe Regional Director 02 8233 9959 tblythe@urbis.com |
 Peter Strudwick Director – Planning 02 8233 9949 pstrudwick@urbis.com.au |
 Jennifer Cooper Director – Planning 02 8233 9931 jcooper@urbis.com.au |
 David Hoy Director – Planning 02 8233 9925 dhoy@urbis.com.au |
 Stephen White Director – Planning 02 8233 9955 swhite@urbis.com.au |
 Clare Briown Director – Planning 02 8233 7678 cbrown@urbis.com.au |
 Murray Donaldson Director – Planning 02 8233 9953 mdonaldson@urbis.com.au |