State Environmental Planning Policy No. 34 - Major Employment Generating Industrial Development (SEPP No. 34) came into effect on 27 April 1993, and the first development proposals to be assessed under this policy have now been submitted for determination by the Minister for Planning. The Policy only applies to development which is of State significance, that is, where the development would result in at least 100 post-construction full time jobs (20 jobs in the case of intensive livestock operations) or have a capital investment value of $20 million or more (excluding land). The Policy aims to facilitate economically and environmentally sound development that will generate sustainable employment in export oriented and value added industries which will strengthen the State's economy.

The Minister for Planning is the consent authority for these developments because of their importance to the State. The Minister's role will ensure that environmental, social and economic issues which go beyond local importance are taken into account. The Policy aims to overcome criticism of the development assessment process at local government level by providing a consistent and uniform approach in the assessment of applications for major developments. The Policy provides for local councils to provide their views and to identify local issues.

The Government wishes to encourage investor confidence in NSW so it is critical that Government agencies provide all possible assistance to the Minister for Planning and the Department of Planning in the implementation of SEPP No. 34. Agencies are requested to give priority to requests from the Department of Planning for advice on development proposals which will be assessed under SEPP No. 34.

Planning Focus Meetings will be convened either by the Department of Planning or the relevant co-ordinating agency once the Minister for Planning determines that a development proposal should be determined under SEPP No. 34. These meetings will involve agencies likely to play a role in the assessment of a particular development application and provide an opportunity for agencies to identify keyissues at an early stage in the assessment process. Agencies will be consulted and requested to provide advice at various stages in the assessment of development applications.

Ministers are requested to emphasise to agencies within their portfolios the need for full co-operation with the Department of Planning. It is essential that advice is provided in a timely and effective manner.

Ministers are requested to nominate an appropriate senior person within each agency to be the first point of contact when dealing with development proposals under SEPP No. 34. The nominations should be provided directly to the Director of Planning.

This State Policy is a major initiative by the Government to facilitate employment growth through environmentally and economically sound development. The Policy signals the Government's commitment to attract and facilitate investment opportunities in NSW. The successful implementation of the Policy is dependent on the co-operation of all Government agencies and I ask that this co-operation be forthcoming.

John Fahey
Premier