The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, says an initiative from the State Government to simplify the planning process and move it online answers a loud call from the business community.
The new e-planning process is part of a more than $40 million investment to cut red tape and expedite approvals.
“The loud cheer you can hear is from the NSW business community who have been frustrated for decades by the slow turnaround and cumbersome repetition of information required when lodging applications,†said Business NSW Regional Manager Kellon Beard.
“In fact, as recently as September, we called for priority to be given by Councils to those applications that would create local jobs as we try and work our way out of the pandemic,†Mr Beard said.
“It’s refreshing to see the Government responding to legitimate and balanced proposals from the business community and responding accordingly.
“In our economic recovery blueprint Back on Track, released earlier this year, allowing businesses to grow was a central plank of our reform agenda.
“Online lodgement and faster approvals will also provide certainty around investment, expansion and employment which is crucial to a business owner at any time, but particularly in the current economic climate.
“Councils have a huge role to play in the economic recovery of their areas, and those that have already embraced the e-gateway are receiving the benefits of greater investment and prosperity.
“This new planning pathway is not limited to business development applications – it also includes residential development, providing greater transparency about what is proposed in local communities.
“Streamlining Government services and agencies as part of the application process will remove the frustration of providing the same information multiple times – saving both time and money,†Mr Beard said.
About Business NSW
Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826.
