Archived News
November 2011
State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development) (Codes SEPP).
“Extension of Transition Period for SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) On 25 November 2011an amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) was published to extend the transition period for local Councils to turn off their existing exempt and complying development controls, until 1 September 2012 or until the Council has made its local environmental plan using the standard instrument. This extension enables Developers to have strata certificate applications determined under either the Codes SEPP or Council’s DCP where developments meet certain requirements. There are a number of criteria that determine which is the most appropriate method for determining applications, so please contact our Sydney office on 02 9659 0005 for further information.”
November 2011
RTA Independent Verification
Although we have been providing RTA Independent Verification services for many years, in 2011 we experienced a significant increase in the demand for this service. We have sound working relationships with the RTA and are able to assist with the delivery of our clients projects in an efficient, financially rewarding and sustainable manner. For further information on our RTA Independent Verification services please view our Capability Statement.
October 2011
New State Significant Planning System
The NSW Governments State significant assessment system started on 1 October. The NSW Government has published key documents to allow new applications to be lodged under the system, including: a State planning policy which outlines what projects will be considered State significant; a regulation which provides further detail about how the new system will operate along with transitional arrangements for the now repealed Part 3A system; and a series of circulars, fact sheets, checklists and flowcharts.
September 2011
NSW Planning System Review
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Brad Hazzard has announced a “road show” for 43 open forum sessions across NSW for community and stakeholder input into the entire NSW planning system. The Planning System Review is being led by former Environment Minister Tim Moore and former Public Works Minister Ron Dyer. Following the consultation period the following will be prepared: 1) Green Paper (outlining reform options); and 2) White Paper (detailing draft legislation). The road show begins at Broken Hill. There will be two sessions at each location with the tour concluding in Sydney on November 14. An updated schedule is available online at www.planningreview.nsw.gov.au.
September 2011
Appointment of Craig Maher as New Associate
We are very pleased to announce that Hunter Manager Craig Maher has been recently appointed as an Associate of Barker Ryan Stewart. The appointment recognises Craigs outstanding service to clients and extensive experience in the development industry. Craigs areas of expertise include development engineering services to local government, traffic and parking studies, civil engineering design services and supervision of works.
August 2011
New Planning System for NSW
The NSW Government is embarking on a major review of the system which defines how planning decisions are made. This will include the creation of new State planning legislation. The review will be divided into three stages: Firstly, a listening and scoping stage, identifying the key outcomes and principles for a new system. Secondly, production and exhibition of a green paper outlining policy options. Thirdly, production of a white paper setting out the governments proposed new framework, including draft legislation. The NSW Department of Infrastructure & Planning are aiming to have draft legislation exhibited and placed before parliament by the end of 2012.
August 2011
Our Cities Our Future - Federal Urban Policy Release
On 18 May 2011, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport released Our Cities, Our Future - A National Urban Policy for a productive, sustainable and liveable future. Our Cities, Our Future sets in place the Australian Government\'s objectives and directions for our cities as we prepare for the decades ahead. It recognises the critical roles that State, Territory and Local Governments, the private sector and individuals play in planning, managing and investing in cities. It also highlights that the Australian Government makes decisions that impact upon urban Australia. Visit http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/mcu/urbanpolicy/index.aspx for further details.
July 2011
Changes to Major Development Assessment
The NSW Government is not accepting any new projects under the Part 3A assessment system and has announced plans for an alternative system to assess projects which are genuinely State significant. The Department of Planning & Infrastructure website states: On 16 June 2011, the NSW Government introduced a Bill into the Parliament to repeal Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act) and replace it with an alternative system for the assessment of projects of genuine State significance. The Bill, which has now been passed by the Parliament, is known as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Part 3A Repeal) Bill 2011 and will result in around a 50 per cent reduction in the number of projects dealt with by the State, with those that do not qualify as State significant to go to the local council for assessment. The Bill also makes a number of changes to the operation and make-up of the Planning Assessment Commission and Joint Regional Planning Panels, including providing for additional transparency and greater local government input.
July 2011
Gosford Draft LEP
Gosford City Council adopted the Gosford Draft Local Environment Plan 2009 (DLEP) at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 31 May 2011. The plan has attracted high interest from all parts of the community over the past three years, receiving more than 1500 submissions during the public exhibition period. The adopted plan will now be forwarded to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure for Ministerial approval.
July 2011
BRW Fast Starters
Every year the Business Review Weekly magazine assesses applications from a whole range of start-up Companies from across Australia to determine if they meet the criteria to list on the BRW 2011 Fast Starters top 100 List. Barker Ryan Stewart is proud to announce that we have been listed 74 on the BRW 2011 Fast Starters 100 list. We would like to say a big “Thank You” to all our clients and suppliers for your continued support