Public spaces lure to expedite NSW council assessments

NSW
councils focused on fast-tacking development assessments generating jobs will
be eligible for up to $5.5 million each in funding for public spaces.

NSW
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the initiative to incentivise the development
of “more and better public spaces” would be part of the NSW Public Spaces
Legacy Program.

The $250 million program will only be available to the 68 councils currently participating in the e-planning system.

State
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the State Government wanted
councils to “think big and bold and deliver legacy projects – new parks, new
walking trails, more walkable and inviting streets and open spaces for their
communities”.

Mr Stokes
added that the program will drive “more efficient local development”.

“It builds
on the success of the Planning System Acceleration Program to bring greater
benefits to neighbourhoods and streets by providing councils the funds to
create new or improved public space, as well as encouraging more efficient
planning processes.”