Changes to the Transport & Infrastructure SEPP

Changes are being exhibited to the Transport & Infrastructure SEPP with the aim of improving the efficiency of infrastructure delivery and improving the SEPP’s usability. The key changes include:

Expanded CDC and REF pathways for health facilities:

• Introduction of a CDC pathway for health service facilities up to 30m tall, compared to the current 12m limit. New design standards would also be introduced.

• REF pathway for residential care facilities and high-tech health research industries to be provided in existing health service facilities.

Simplified approvals for some education developments:

•  New schools within existing universities or TAFE campuses to be approved through a streamlined ‘Review of Environmental Factors’ (REF) process.

• Opportunity for existing schools to provide "kiss-and-ride" facilities through a REF.

Additional requirements for certain developments:

• Increased scrutiny of variations: Potentially introducing a ‘Clause 4.6 Variation’ style test to vary a development standard for DAs proposed under the SEPP.

• Approval required for synthetic turf: Synthetic turf playing fields, previously exempt from development approval, would now require a REF.

Improved usability:

• Demolition flexibility: Broader categories of development could be demolished without needing a DA by removing the restriction that only exempt development can be demolished.

• Improved clarity and structure: Inconsistencies between the SEPP and other legislation resolved, and the SEPP restructured for better user experience.

A range of other changes to the Three Ports, Moorebank Freight Intermodal Precinct and Parklands planning controls.

Contact the Beam team to learn how these changes might affect approvals for your health, education, or other infrastructure projects.