NSW Government
Planning

Policies and frameworks

Good design not only creates better places, but it is also government policy

Groups of people meeting and dining at Australia Square. Credit: Andrew Cohen

Good design is fundamental to creating better places and servicing the needs of people and the community.

The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) has been amended to include design as a new object of the Act, reinforcing the importance of good design and amenity in the planning process. A second new object includes built and cultural heritage, including Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The intent of the amendments is to promote:

  • good design and amenity of the built environment
  • the sustainable management of built and cultural heritage (including Aboriginal cultural heritage).

The Government Architect NSW’s policies and frameworks help planners and designers turn the amendments into reality, creating good built-environment design outcomes throughout NSW.

People walking in the afternoon sun outside the Sydney Opera House. Credit: Cory White / Government Architect NSW
Better Placed

Better Placed is an integrated design policy for the built environment of NSW.

Group of people gathered near a community garden, taking photos of the plants. Credit: Jon Hazelwood
Biodiversity in Place

A new framework to welcome more nature into our backyards, balconies, rooftops and verges.

The night sky filled with bright stars over the dark sky park in the Warrumbungles. Credit: Destination NSW
Connecting with Country

Connecting with Country is a framework to care for Country when designing built environments.

Person riding a bike near the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney. Credit: Cory White / Government Architect NSW
Greener Places

The Greener Places design framework guides the design, planning and delivery of green infrastructure across NSW.