The rapidly changing planning environment in Australia is constrained by development systems designed in and for a different era.

Australians are demanding more from their built environment and from the development systems that shape it. Sustainability and environmental issues are more prominent, our economic needs are becoming increasingly diverse and we now understand more about the role the built environment plays in delivering community benefits.

In response to these changes, planning systems must adopt more efficient processes that deliver the best possible social, environmental and economic outcomes.

Land use planning is a complex process. It requires the coordination of development assessment decisions taken at different times and by different agencies and stakeholders that would otherwise be made independently of one another.

Streamlining government processes and regulations can reduce the paperwork and regulatory compliance burden on small business. Reduced compliance burdens and more flexible regulatory systems should improve business efficiency, stimulate growth and help business generate employment.