No specific action for agency unless DPE was to be directed by Minister under s3.32 or the productivity commission review. Agency will consider if any alternate avenues other than what was suggested exist with consultation of the team who wrote the planning instrument.

Teams meeting

DPE provided an update on the progress of the business case development of the Kings Hill Interchange and associated drainage channel.

DPE have proposed to established an inter-agency Project Control Group (PCG) to resolve project issues highlighted by a recent independent review on the business case.

The Proponents provided an update on the concept development application.

DPE to refer to the PCG to decide on how best to manage ongoing communication with proponents and other landowners in Kings Hill Urban Release Area.

In person

The Star identified 3 issues for discussion in relation to building setbacks, podium height and the proposed through site link. A performance-based solution to setbacks and height was agreed in principle, as was an outcomes-focused approach to the through site link. The Department to confirm approaches with The Star over the coming week.

The proponent is requesting to discuss the strategic and site-specific merit of the former Old Sydney Town site, specifically related to tourism and residential land uses.

The Department explained the Somersby area is identified as a regionally significant employment location in the current Central Coast Regional Plan 2036. The Department further explained the draft Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 has been publicly exhibited and does identify a tourism precinct at Somersby and that any residential development is to be designed to avoid compromising existing or potential industrial activities at the industrial precinct.

• The Planning Concierge & Vicinity ran through Vicinity’s development portfolio.
• The Planning Concierge offered to discuss with Vicinity establishing a clear planning pathway for projects in the pre-planning phase. next meeting for January/February, then meet every couple of months.
• Ongoing infrastructure contributions team to attend the next meeting.

Wee Hur gave a short presentation about their business, advising that they are providers of student housing in Australia, with two existing properties in Sydney and plans for expansion. Wee Hur also operate in other states. No development applications or future development sites were discussed.

The main area of discussion was the draft SEPP and the lack of student housing-specific provisions. Wee Hur advised that the draft co-living provisions had the potential to limit their future development opportunities, with the main concern being the proposed rates of car parking. Wee Hur were also concerned about minimum room sizes proposed by the SEPP. It was noted that some councils have generous parking provisions for student accommodation, but Wee Hur would prefer the certainty that comes with SEPP controls rather than relying on council DCPs.

Murray Irrigation have a number of projects that are at various stages of concept development and planning. The Barmah Millewa Choke optimisation project is furthest progressed.

Water Infrastructure NSW (WINSW) noted that there are opportunities for funding through the National Water Grid Authority (NWGA) for both Strategic and Final Business Cases, and for Construction. WINSW discussed the NWGA process including timing of applications, need for the State to be the proponent
of both the funding application and the funding agreement, and funding percentage agreements.

WINSW noted that the Commonwealth are open to bringing forward projects that result in efficiencies, and that we would support the Barmah Choke project being further scoped. WINSW confirmed that we can assist Murray Irrigation through providing templates from NWGA and providing support and advice to
Murray Irrigation when filling in the applications.

Murray Irrigation agreed to provide further information to WINSW on proposed projects.

CT Group provided background on a proposal for land within the Somersby Regional Gateway, outlining the planning process to date, rationale and benefits of the proposal, and key considerations for its future planning. The key matter related to strategic alignment with the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036. CT Group sought advice regarding opportunities to collaborate and provide feedback through the scheduled review of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036, specifically in relation to their clients’ land.

DPIE provided advice on:

• The status of the Central Coast Regional Plan review project which is in the a preliminary scoping stage.
• The directions of the current plan that would be considered for a potential planning proposal at Old Sydney Town. In particular direction 9, 10 and 11 noted the value of agricultural and resource land west of the M1 Pacific Motorway for the State economy.
• Importance of ensuring consistency with Ministerial Directions as well as the Central Coast Regional Plan.

The proponent agreed to continue to work with Council to ensure the proposal adequately considered the strategic planning framework and responded to site-specific matters.

NSW Government Architect (GA) advised proponent a design competition (national or international) would produce the best outcome for achieving design excellence.

GA would consider proponent partnering with an architect experienced in large scale projects in private consultation as an alternative to a design competition

(if Council agreed to the process). GA concerned that due to the complexity of the proposal that not having a design competition, design excellence would not be achieved.

GA advised design competition produces better design results compared to a design panel who assesses designs of one architect.

Council stated that they will be guided by GA advice for how to achieve design excellence because of the size and significance of the proposal on the local area.

DPIE advised they will be guided by the GA’s decision for the design process pathway

The proponent seeks an alternative design process pathway other than a design competition due to the cost and delay associated with holding a design competition and the potential risk of losing intellectual property incorporated in the design elements having to provide external architects access through a design competition process.

GA – providing proponent scenario’s acceptable to the GA to achieve design excellence.

DPIE provided an overview of strategic planning of the wider GPEC Investigation Area. Advice was that if the development were to proceed the likely planning pathway would be as Planning Proposal to be submitted to Blacktown Council.

Staff from Blacktown Council re-iterated previous advice issued to the proponent primarily related to site access and flooding.

• George Revay, Director, Platino
• Paula Mottek, Urban Planning Manager, Platino
• Sam Haddad, Principal, SG Haddad Advisory

Platino sought advice on status on reviewing the Parramatta Road Corridor Strategy.  The Coordinator General explained that the PDU’s roles was to facilitate progress, rather than acting as the project owner.

The Coordinator General agreed to:

• Discuss likely timing of finalising the transport study, with TNSW.
• Engage with relevant senior staff in DPIE about expediting the process towards decision for the proposal.
• Seek Clarification on the progress of the Parramatta Road Corridor Strategy.

The Coordinator General provided an overview of the Planning Delivery Unit, which has been established to work with agencies to remove blockages and resolve issues for identified planning projects already in the system and under assessment so that decisions on projects can be made more quickly.

Coordinator General to investigate process of the project within DPIE.

Water Utilities Australia (WUA) provided background on its organisation and ideas for investment in water infrastructure in NSW. WUA facilitates investment by superannuation funds in water utilities that receive a regulated return on assets/investment.

The department indicated that it would refer WUA’s proposal to the department’s reform division to determine whether it had merit or whether WUA should be referred to the unsolicited proposal process managed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The department noted that if the proposal merited further investigation it would be in the context of NSW Government policies, including procurement policies.

The department advised WUA that the government is committed to council owned local water utilities.

Regional NSW advised that the GLE Fund is currently paused and to check website and other communications for updates.

At the request of C2Hills and Council, Regional NSW will seek a contact point in the Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF).

Apart from the potential contact point, no further action will be undertaken in regard to this meeting

DPIE provided information on:

• The Energy Infrastructure unit’s work program,
• The NSW Electricity Strategy; and
• The NSW Government commitment to develop Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), starting with a 3000 MW Pilot Central-West REZ.

Tilt Renewables provided:

• A Company Profile;
• Information on key Tilt Renewables projects under development;
• Information on Tilt Renewables Stakeholder engagement and benefit sharing practices;
• Feedback on challenges and opportunities for renewable energy project developers; and
• Feedback on NSW REZ delivery model outlined in the NSW Electricity Strategy.