Changes to Environmental Approvals for Major Projects

Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (State Significant Development) Bill 2024

1st House

2nd House

Law

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Projects now have a two year deadline to finish their environmental assessments, to try and reduce dragging on for years without moving forward
Some types of projects, like schools or hospitals, now have pre-set guidelines (called SEARs). This means they don’t have to go through as many steps if their plans match these pre-made rules
There are now clearer rules for submitting applications for large projects, so everything can move along quicker
New guidelines emphasize better engagement with the community and consideration of social and cumulative impacts of large projects. In theory this means concerns about things like noise or traffic are taken seriously

News articles and press releases