Industry Update March 2022

Important update to our valued clients and stakeholders

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Planning Monthly Update

Western Sydney Aerotropolis Planning Update

Clause 41 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Western Sydney Aerotropolis) 2020 requires development be consistent with thePrecinct Plan. The Precinct Plans are presently in draft form having been exhibited in 2021. Clause 42 provides that development can precede the adoption of the Precinct Plan provided the consent authority has made certain considerations. The Western Sydney Aerotropolis Development Control Plan – Phase 1 came into effect on 1 October 2020. The Phase 1 DCP will be superseded by the Phase 2 DCP which was exhibited in 2021 and is expected to come into effect in 2022.

Draft Design & Place SEPP

The Draft SEPP was on exhibition until 28 February 2022. It is proposed that the SEPP will repeal SEPP65 – Design Quality of Residential Apartment Development and SEPP (Building Sustainability Index: BASIX) 2004. Proposed changes include a revised Apartment Design Guide, new Urban Design Guide, increased BASIX requirements. Importantly the new UDG will apply to development on sites over 1ha or where a master plan or DCP is required by another instrument, or a concept development application under section 4.22 of the EP&A Act is proposed. The Draft SEPP is causing significant concern within the industry. It is expected to come into effect towards the end of 2022.

Rezoning Reforms

The Local Environmental Plan Making Guidelines were released in December 2021. They replace the previous ‘A Guide to Preparing Planning Proposals’ and are in effect.  DPIE have released a discussion paper to review the rezoning process. The Paper was on exhibition until 28 February 2022. The reforms intend to streamline, simplify and reduce assessment timeframes by a third by 2023 and establish an appeals pathway for planning proposals. It is expected to come into effect some time in 2022. Significant changes include a new process more like the DA process with the Applicant acting as the proponent. There will be an upfront scoping stage, the Gateway is proposed to be removed, and the rezoning review will be moved to the end of the process.

To discuss any of the above in greater detail please contact contact our office on (02) 8660 0035 or by emailing info@theoriongroup.au

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Construction Infrastructure & Industrial Monthly Update

Sydney Property Development with no Sewerage Connection

Development in Austral has been heavily impacted by the required wastewater infrastructure which will not be in place until 2026 within interim infrastructure including a pumping station and wastewater mains expected early 2023.

Stockland to Develop Mixed-use Precinct at WSU

Developer Stockland has announced a Project Delivery Agreement with Western Sydney University to develop a new mixed-use precinct over their 99-hectare site in Penrith. The University is undertaking an ambitious program known as ‘Western Growth’ to bolster the University’s campus network, which includes co-creating cities and transformative educational infrastructure.

New Construction Work Days Order 2022

Construction Work is temporarily permitted to occur on weekends, due to the commencement of a new COVID-19 Construction Works Order.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Construction Work Days) Order 2022 allows certain construction work to occur on Saturday and Sunday without the need for any approval. The Order came in to effect on Friday 11 February 2022.

The Order permits construction and demolition work to be carried out on Saturdays from 8am to 5pm, with restrictions on noisy works that have not been approved under a development consent. These restrictions are in place to reduce noise impacts on nearby residents.

Building work will also be permitted on Sundays from 9am to 5pm. Construction work undertaken on Sunday cannot include noisy demolition work, exceed a certain noise and vibration threshold, include the use of power tools or playing music from radios or other electronic devices by workers or other people on site.

The new Order will facilitate construction over a broader timeframe in recognition of COVID-19 safety requirements to create safe work environments and minimise project delays.

The new Order is temporary and will end on 31 March 2022, unless revoked earlier by the Minister. The changes do not apply to Part 5 activities. The Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Infrastructure Construction Work Days No. 2) Order 2020 will continue to apply to these activities until 31 March 2022. Click here for the media release, or visit the Department’s website for more information.

To discuss any of the above in greater detail please contact our Construction Manager (Urban), Chris Suarez on 0447 493 345 or at chris.suarez@theoriongroup.au

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WSC Monthly Update

Minor Works Instructions

Sydney Water have made a change to Minor Works Instructions to provide clarity around the timing that a connection is made to our assets. It is expected that all WSCs and Constructors are now following the new instructions.

Sydney Water is improving Permission to Enter process to include early involvement from Sydney Water via a letter to the affected landowner, and also giving them the opportunity to speak directly to us if they have any questions. The new process and documentation are now available.

Procurement Guidelines and Review

Sydney Water has started its review of its full procurement process. The intent of the review was to provide clarity and consistency, identify opportunities to streamline the asset creation process and ensure prudent and efficient investment.

Sydney Water held a number of focus groups and identified key opportunities for improvement:
• Setting clear expectations from the beginning of the project e.g., project brief requirements
• Consideration of project risks to provide more certainty on costs and risk ownership
• Streamlining the procurement process through changes to Schedule of Rates and providing clear rules on Single Source Tendering
• Ensuring a consistent review process

Pressure Sewer Guidelines

Sydney water is updating guidelines for Pressure Sewer Systems (PSS).
This update will address existing gaps and pain points. outline the prerequisites that need to be met for PSSs, the capability of the personnel and the framework behind designing, delivering, and handing over these assets to us.

To discuss any of the above in greater detail please contact our Manager Water & Sewer/Water Service Coordinator, Andrew Purnell on 0438 428 890 or at Andrew.Purnell@kfw.net.au

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Survey Monthly Update

Strata Plan Tips and Reminders

To assist in the preparation of strata plans, NSW LRS are providing some helpful tips and reminders on various strata plan scenarios and components in which NSW LRS are seeing an increase in inquiries and lodgements. Read Strata Plan Tips and Reminders Here.

SAVE THE DATE – Diversity in Surveying

Monday 4 April 2022
Pier One Hotel – Sydney Harbour

On Monday 4 April 2022, the NSW Surveying Taskforce will once again host “Diversity in Surveying”.

This event has been created specifically for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to give them an opportunity to experience Surveying and the varied opportunities a career in this industry offers.

We are receiving strong interest for the April event and hope you will support the day by sponsoring a table and enable us to host as many students as possible on the day. Year 10, 11 and 12 Students who have undertaken surveying work experience and or have strength in Mathematics and interest in the outdoors will join us on the day. However, as not all work experience students connect via the Taskforce, we have made places available for you to invite your past work experience students, as well as any TAFE or University Student on your staff that might enjoy this day.

More information on table sponsorship and the program will be available in the new year. For more information or to register your interest please email Cathy at the NSW Surveying Taskforce at info@surveyingcareers.com.au.

To discuss any of the above in greater detail please contact our Survey Manage, Kevin Pritchard on 0438 428 904 or at kevin.pritchard@kfw.net.au