EP&A reforms make strategic planning more critical than ever

The NSW Government’s Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 represents the most significant overhaul of the planning framework in decades. While much of the discussion has focused on streamlining approvals and improving coordination, the real game changer lies in what these reforms mean for strategic planning.

The Bill doesn’t diminish the importance of strategic planning, it amplifies it. By creating faster, more predictable approval pathways, the reforms increase the stakes for getting the foundational frameworks right from the outset. Poor strategic planning decisions will now flow through the system more quickly and with greater impact.

Put simply: we can’t streamline our way out of bad strategic planning.

Why strategic planning matters more than ever

In this new environment, we need robust, evidence-based strategic planning that goes beyond ticking boxes. Strong strategies must:

• Identify the right places for growth upfront with clear policy direction and framing.

• Integrate infrastructure, environment and community needs to ensure growth is supported and sustainable.

• Build liveability and climate resilience into our future settlement patterns, preparing communities for long-term challenges.

• Enable genuine housing diversity through pathways that are supported by infrastructure and services.

Tools and vision must align

The reforms provide powerful new tools for coordination and delivery. For example, new approval pathways and stronger integration between agencies will speed up decisions. But tools are only as good as the strategic vision that guides them. Without a coherent, evidence-based strategy, faster processes risk magnifying existing planning weaknesses.

Where to from here

The message is clear: strategic planning is not optional. It is the foundation of a planning system that can respond to housing needs, create resilient communities and unlock growth in the right places.

At Willowtree, we help clients and partners align projects with the evolving planning framework, ensuring proposals are strategically positioned and future-ready.

If you’d like to understand what these reforms mean for your project or region, and how to navigate the new landscape — reach out to our team.