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Policies and guidelines

The Independent Planning Commission has in place several policies which provide guidance, consistency, accountability, efficiency, and clarity on how we operate -- particularly around our decision-making process for state significant development applications.

These policies and guidelines also address other matters concerning the Commission, our people and our work -- such as conduct, managing conflict of interest or encouraging and promoting community input into our decisions. 

In line with our Transparency Policy, all these documents are made publicly available to help foster a better understanding of how we carry out our important role in the NSW planning system. 

The policies and guidelines accessible below are policies created by the Commission to govern its own processes. The broader policy framework of the NSW Government can also be relevant to the exercise of the Commission’s functions in specific matters. See, for example, the Minister’s Statement of Expectations to the Commission and Ministerial correspondence regarding the NSW Government’s climate change policy framework under the “Minister for Planning and Public Spaces" on the Commission’s Our role in the planning system” page.

You can access all our current policies and guidelines below.

Access to Information 

Chair Oversight Protocol

Code of Conduct

Community Participation Plan

Complaints Management Policy

Conflicts of Interest Policy

Data Breach Policy

Diversity Policy

Ethical Conduct Policy

Fraud Control Policy

Guidance for Applicants

Indigenous Engagement Statement

Multicultural Plan

Privacy Statement

Public Hearing Guidelines

Public Interest Disclosures Policy

Public Meeting Guidelines

Public Submissions Guidelines

Site Inspection and Locality Tour Guidelines

Scope of Rezoning and Gateway Reviews

Section 34 Conciliation Conference Policy

Transparency Policy


Make a Submission

We recognise the importance of community participation in our decision-making process. Using our ‘Make a submission’ form is the easiest way for you to make a submission on cases currently before the Commission.

Make a Submission