Final Report PlanFirst Review Taskforce - Department of Planning

4.0 REGIONAL PLANNING
4.1 Issues Examined
Under PlanFirst, it was proposed that up to 16 regional strategies would be prepared dealing with
settlement and growth management, transport and service provision and natural resource
management issues, as relevant to regional centres and their hinterlands. By mid 2007 it was
envisaged that regional strategies would apply to the whole State.
Regional strategies were to play a key role in identifying how catchment and natural resource
planning approaches could better translate to the land use planning system and in particular, to
local planning. Clarifying the relationship between natural resource planning instruments and
environmental planning instruments, both in terms of policy relationships and land use controls was
to be a core function in preparing regional strategies.
Role of DIPNR in Regional Planning
It is acknowledged by the Taskforce that the regional planning system in NSW is in need of an
overhaul – therefore the principles of PlanFirst that place greater emphasis on the importance of
regional planning are supported.
In particular, the role of DIPNR in regional planning is critical. The Taskforce considers that
DIPNR’s role can be summarised as follows:
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To link together other planning and management processes relevant to the region such as
catchment planning, transport and infrastructure planning, social and economic development
planning.
• To reconcile catchment and natural resource planning approaches and allow easy translation
into the local land use planning system.
• To guide decision making across the region.
• To secure the involvement of local government as a key authority in the region.
To implement State planning policies and regional environmental plans (REPs) which respond
to the needs and priorities of the community.
To develop a broad strategic land use/environmental planning context for regions including the
regional objectives, or intended outcomes, of State agencies.
To develop policies and actions that will assist in achieving regional objectives, or intended
regional outcomes, including an implementation plan.
To develop criteria for measuring, evaluating and reviewing the extent to which regional
objectives, or intended outcomes, have been achieved.
• To identify regions in which regional planning issues are a priority and target those areas for
immediate work.
• To undertake or conduct research that will support regional planning.
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1 September 2003
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