Complex, practical or inflexible? Unravelling the background and consequences of the NSW standard instrument local environmental plan

The 2006 NSW Standard Instrument Local Environmental Plan (SI LEP) aimed to simplify and bring consistency to local planning and land use regulation. Consistent definitions and standard land use zones were features of the changes to local plan requirements. The background to, and unfortunate consequences of, the SI LEP are critically explored. This highlights the tension between conformity, innovation, local autonomy and place-based approaches. A survey of professional practitioners suggests that the hoped-for benefits have not been realised in practice. Key findings are that the SI LEP: (1) has added complexity and length to regulatory plans, (2) increased state government power with no demonstrated land use benefit, (3) is not necessary for consistent state planning and policy implementation, and (4) stifles local creativity, flexibility and place-based land use outcomes especially in non-metropolitan areas. Significant limitations of the SI LEP and its implementation warrant a rethink of statutory land use controls in NSW, including land zoning and plan objectives, land use definitions, and opportunities to support local innovation

Local Government Approaches to Planning and Managing Conservation Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors (June)

The Australian Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (SEWPaC) has commissioned Eco Logical Australia (ELA) and associated contributors to produce a report that will assist in the implementation of the draft National Wildlife Corridors Plan at the local scale. Local governments may make important contributions to corridor development as they have roles in land use planning, development negotiation and approval, provision of public services such as education and incentives, as well as on-ground land management. However, the capacity and priorities of local government varies widely: dependent on the physical environment, population and development characteristics; financial situation; and jurisdictional context. Analysis of local government experiences, including successes and challenges, and enabling and limiting factors could assist in designing programs to enable local governments to be further involved in this work. This report was commissioned by SEWPaC to provide: • a review of existing state and territory government legislative and other approaches to wildlife corridor planning and the role of local government planning in implementing these approaches • a review of local government approaches to wildlife corridor or related environmental planning • a review of regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations and their interaction with local government environmental planning activities, including any implications of the different regulatory arrangements for NRM groups • identification of barriers to local government wildlife corridor planning and achievement of conservation connectivity • identification of potential opportunities for strengthening local government involvement in wildlife corridor planning and inplementation