State Significant Rezoning Policy

The Department is solely responsible for identifying sites that are eligible to be assessed under the policy.

Twice a year (September and March) the Department will identify potential sites for the evaluation panel to assess against the policy’s assessment criteria. The Department will occasionally identify additional sites at other times.

Proponents should continue to lodge their proposals through the standard council-led process under the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) Guidelines. There is no avenue for proponents to apply for sites to be assessed under the policy.

The Department evaluates eligible sites and determines the rezoning pathway against the policy’s assessment criteria. This considers public benefits, contribution to housing targets, social and affordable housing provision, infrastructure availability, and investment certainty.

If a site is accepted to progress through a state significant rezoning pathway, the Department will notify relevant stakeholders and outline the expectations for the proponent.

Proponents (or the Department, for state-led rezonings) prepare technical studies and documentation. This covers environmental impacts, infrastructure servicing, traffic, open space, and more. The Department coordinates a whole-of-government review, including feedback from councils and state agencies.

Draft rezoning proposals go on public exhibition, allowing communities and stakeholders to have their say. Feedback is carefully considered before any decision is made.

The minister (or delegate) makes a final decision based on strategic merit, community input, environmental and infrastructure considerations, and alignment with government priorities.

Once land is rezoned, landowners or developers can submit a development application (DA) or complying development certificate (CDC) in line with the new planning controls. DA or CDC approval is required before construction can begin.