What is this major amendment?

The major amendment will reflect the State Planning Policy for Biodiversity including the tables of assessment and assessment benchmarks (codes) to ensure these are fit for purpose and are not causing unnecessary regulatory burden.

Matters such as reducing assessment triggers for Dwelling Houses and other low impact land uses, simplifying the content of the Biodiversity Overlay Code and including the provisions of the Temporary Local Planning Instrument 01/2024 Operational Work in Biodiversity Overlay will be undertaken.

A new Planning Scheme Policy Biodiversity will also be introduced providing more clarity for the preparation of Ecological Assessment Reports and Rehabilitation Plans.

The review will also seek full compliance with the State Planning Policy.

What is the estimated timeline?

Work is expected to commence end of 2025 with an expected completion date of mid-2026.