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Our work

We shape our cities, towns and regions for the benefit of the people of NSW

Father and daughter enjoying a walk along the Newcastle Memorial Walk, The Hill. Credit: Destination NSW

As part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, the Planning group has teams across the state to help the NSW Government make and implement important decisions about our land and how we use it.

We help deliver great places for you to live and work, and we develop smart ways to support industries and promote economic growth.

We make planning assessments of large, state-significant projects, we evaluate what infrastructure should be prioritised, and we balance protecting our environmental assets with industry and community needs. We also work with and support local councils to promote people’s health and wellbeing and help councils create vibrant communities.

We are also working hard to make the planning system in NSW simpler, more transparent and easier to understand.

Read more about our achievements in The Planning Group Year in Review 2024 (3.6 MB).

Aerial view looking down at mixed density housing in Mount Druitt. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment

We're delivering more homes to create great places with faster approvals and more choice for everyone.

View of Chinese Garden of Friendship. Image credit:

Placemaking NSW creates and cares for places that people love.

Jai Ord and Minjari Ohara in Waterloo Estate in Redfern, Sydney CBD NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Salty Dingo

Find out how we're working with Aboriginal stakeholders to unlock the potential of Aboriginal community-owned lands.

Sydney Park skate park at Alexandria with the Sydney CBD in the background. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment

The Government Architect NSW works across government, the private sector and the community to improve social, environmental and economic outcomes for NSW.

Houses in Googong as part of Googong's new housing development. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Jaime Plaza Van Roon

Find all the information you need to help you prepare, lodge and/or track your development application.

Homestead exterior at Fernhill Estate, Mulgoa. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment

The Office of Strategic Lands helps us deliver on our big-picture programs to provide more open public space, green corridors, and infrastructure like rail and roads.

Cyclists ride past Towradgi Beach Park playground. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Creating great places to live, work and play for communities across New South Wales.