Government legislation and strategies

NSW Government

NSW State Government provides a planning framework through a number of agencies, plans and laws.

NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

This agency manages environmental planning policies and legislation, metropolitan and regional land use strategies and the NSW Planning Portal, including the online Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) assessment tool. 

Hunter Regional Plan 2036

The Hunter Regional Plan 2036 is a 20 year blueprint for the future of the Hunter.

Hunter Regional Plan 2036

Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036

The Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 sets out strategies and actions that will drive sustainable growth across Cessnock City, Lake Macquarie City, Maitland City, Newcastle City and Port Stephens communities.

Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036


Australian Government

You may need additional approvals under national law if your development or land use impacts the environment:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Are you planning a project or development, or changing the way that you use your land, which might have impacts on our environment? If so, you may need additional approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

The EPBC Act is designed to protect our unique animals, plants, habitats and heritage places both now, and into the future. It ensures ‘matters of national environmental significance’ are identified and any potential negative impacts are considered and managed before any changes in land use or new developments are approved.

To find out what you need to do, please visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment website for more information about the EPBC including an information toolkit and short video