Central Coast welcomes landmark planning reforms to boost housing and investment

Council Acting Mayor John Mouland has welcomed the NSW Government’s Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, calling it a transformative step toward streamlining development processes and unlocking housing and economic growth across the region.

Recently passed by both houses of Parliament, the Bill marks the most significant update to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in nearly 50 years.

“This is a pivotal moment for regions like ours,” said Acting Mayor Mouland. 

“For too long, complex and overlapping planning processes have delayed the delivery of essential housing, infrastructure, and jobs. These reforms offer a clearer, faster, and more transparent pathway to get quality projects off the ground, while preserving what makes the Central Coast such a special place to live.”

The new legislation simplifies approvals and strengthens accountability across NSW. Major changes include:

•    Creation of the Development Coordination Authority as a single-entry point for major projects
•    Formal establishment of the Housing Delivery Authority
•    Expansion of Complying Development pathways for faster approvals
•    Introduction of a Targeted Assessment Pathway for strategically aligned projects
•    Strengthening Act objectives to prioritise housing delivery and climate resilience
•    Replacement of over 100 local consultation plans with a unified statewide Community Participation Plan

For the Central Coast, the reforms are expected to fast-track housing approvals, boost transparency, ensure consistent community consultation, uphold environmental protections, and give investors greater certainty.

Acting Mayor Mouland reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working closely with the NSW Government to ensure the reforms deliver real outcomes.

“With thousands of new residents expected over the next decade, the Central Coast needs a planning system that balances growth with sustainability,” Acting Mayor Mouland said. 

“These reforms can unlock well-designed housing, attract investment, and strengthen our regional economy, if we continue to collaborate across government, industry, and the community.”

Council is currently reviewing the full implications of the Bill and how it will support meaningful improvements to the planning system. This assessment will help ensure that the reforms are implemented in a way that reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the Central Coast community.

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