The New South Wales government will fully fund training for up to half of the state’s council planners to accelerate housing development assessments and decisions.
Developed jointly by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the Planning Institute of Australia, the NSW Planning Practice Program aims to upskill around 950 development assessment officers across all 128 local councils.
The half-day program focuses on practical, proportionate assessment methods to help staff navigate recent planning framework changes, including the Transport Oriented Development program, the Pattern Book, and the Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.
The upskilling drive follows the enactment of the Planning System Reforms Act 2025 and the rollout of state bodies like the Housing Delivery Authority and Development Coordination Authority.
The training builds on an existing partnership with the City of Newcastle’s Accelerated Development Assessment Program, designed to shorten processing times for low-risk, decision-ready projects.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully described the reforms as the largest legislative suite of changes for the NSW planning profession in 50 years, emphasising that the program will empower councils to get keys in doors faster.
“The intention of the reforms has been to create real, practical changes to get keys in doors faster, and that is what is happening,” Scully said.
“This program empowers councils to make this on-the-ground change in their communities.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said council staff require operational support to execute major policy changes effectively. He highlighted that while faster decisions are critical, ensuring sound planning judgment remains paramount for community confidence.
Planning Institute of Australia NSW/ACT state manager Tessa Faucheur welcomed the investment, stating that building professional capacity will foster better decision-making and support thriving communities across the state.
With over 80,000 homes currently under construction across New South Wales, the highest level in seven years, the training initiative forms a key pillar in the government’s broader strategy to expand local housing supply, jobs, and community infrastructure for local families and essential workers.
