Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, is reminding people they only have until the end of the week to make a submission on the State Government’s bold vision for a more transparent, effective, and efficient planning system for NSW.
“The Green Paper — A New Planning System for NSW, reinforces the NSW Government’s vision to give communities a greater say in planning for their future growth and development within their local area.
“Last week I co-hosted and breakfasted with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce to give local planners the opportunity to see a presentation on the Green Paper and speak directly with the NSW Planning’s Northern Regional Director, Steve Murray,” Mrs Williams said.
“Our local residents’ voices will be heard loud and clear in regard to what we want for our local area. In creating a planning system for the 21st century, the NSW Government is ensuring public interest will be at the forefront.
“The current planning system left to us by Labor ensures the community gets next to no role in strategic planning,” Mrs Williams said.
“A Public Participation Charter will be developed, which will require the community to be consulted as part of the plan-making and development assessment process.
“Residents will also be able to access planning information in simple language and view all relevant planning guidelines for their land by pressing a button or two on a computer,” Mrs Williams said.
“The report also highlights that councils should give some serious consideration to adopting independent hearing and assessment panels as has happened already voluntarily in 11 councils across the State.
“I encourage local residents to get on line to read the Green Paper and recommendations from the independent reviewers (who have worked on this project for about a year) and consider making a submission so the views of our local community are factored in-to the next stage of a White Paper and draft legislation,” Mrs Williams said
The public has been given two months to comment on the Green Paper through online forums, face-to-face events or written submissions. The Green Paper is available at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/newplanningsystem and comments can be made until Friday, September 14.
