Written by The NSW Government has classified 30 new projects as State Significant Developments (SSDs), following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority. These projects, mostly in metropolitan Sydney, could deliver more than 10,800 homes, including affordable housing, helping address housing supply pressures across the State.
A development is deemed SSD under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 if it has economic, environmental, or social significance to the state, such as large-scale residential projects, hospitals, schools, or major industrial facilities. SSD status provides developers with an alternative approval pathway and bypasses local council development controls. Even though a project being declared as SSD does not guarantee faster construction, it does require that construction commences within 12 months of receiving approval.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure coordinates SSD assessments, engaging councils, state agencies, and collecting community feedback, with projects publicly exhibited for at least 28 days. Decisions are then made by the Minister for Planning or the Independent Planning Commission.
These recent SSD declarations highlight the State’s strategic use of planning powers to accelerate housing without compromising community input.