What is it?

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has released for public comment, the Draft Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (the Draft plan), and an Explanation of Intended effect for a proposed State Environmental Planning Policy for Strategic Conservation Planning (the SEPP). The Plans aim to create a new biodiversity assessment framework for Western Sydney.

The Draft Conservation plan is a regional scale strategic biodiversity assessment.  It has been prepared to satisfy the strategic biodiversity certification requirements of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the assessment requirements of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 

If the requirements of the Acts are determined by the Commonwealth and State Environment Minister’s to have been satisfied, then the area will receive biodiversity certification. Biodiversity certification creates a streamlined process that removes the need to assess biodiversity issues on a site by site basis.

The certification would enable development in the following areas:

  • Greater Macarthur Growth Area
  • Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek Investigation Area
  • Western Sydney Aerotropolis
  • Wilton Growth Area.

The proposed SEPP will give effect to land use outcomes identified in the Draft Conservation Plan.  Implementation measures include applying E2 (Environmental Conservation) zones to certain lands, and identifying matters for consideration when developing lands mapped as strategic conservation land.

What does it mean for me?

  • The Plan identifies a range of lands that will be protected. It is difficult to get plans changed once made, so it is important to check that the draft plan correctly shows your land’s environmental value.
  • Environmental conservation works will be funded through State Infrastructure Contributions, representing a cost to development. The quantum of the contribution is yet to be determined.
  • The Plans will assist in understanding the constraints and capacity of lands

How can we help?

City Plan is able to provide advice on how the new draft Plans will affect your land and make a submission to the public exhibition.

For more information please contact Mark Schofield (Director) on (02) 8270 3500.