Queensland’s planning framework is getting its biggest refresh in almost a decade.

The draft State Planning Policy 2026 is now open for consultation, with proposed changes relevant to resources, renewable energy, infrastructure and other major projects.

Among the changes:

• energy becomes a standalone State interest
• stronger protection is proposed for important resource areas
• greater emphasis is placed on coordinating growth with infrastructure
• State assessment benchmarks are proposed to move from the SPP into the Planning Regulation

Today marks one of the most significant changes to the NSW planning system in recent years, with the Development Coordination Authority (DCA) officially commencing its expanded role as the central coordination point for NSW Government agency referrals.

Much of the discussion around the reforms has focused on improving the assessment of local development applications and supporting the delivery of new housing. However, there are also important implications for state significant development (SSD) projects that proponents, consultants and project teams should understand.

While the core SSD assessment pathway remains largely unchanged, the way government agencies contribute to assessments is evolving.

The NSW Government last month announced the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 which would see a raft of changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act).

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 is due to be debated in NSW Parliament this month.

Environmental Project Manager Patric Illingworth explains some of the key changes proposed to the EP&A Act relevant to the assessment and approval of resourcing, energy and infrastructure projects below.

The Victorian government has introduced sweeping reforms to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 that will significantly impact how major projects are approved and how quickly.