The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, which was established in 1979 seeks to encourage:

1. the proper management, development and conservation of natural and man-made resources, including agricultural land, natural areas, forests, minerals, water, cities, towns and villages for the purpose of promoting the social and economic welfare of the community and a better environment;
2. the promotion and co-ordination of the orderly and economic use and development of land;
3. the protection, provision and co-ordination of communication and utility services;
4. the provision of land for public purposes;
5. the provision and co-ordination of community services and facilities;
6. the protection of the environment;

The Act defines "environment" as including all aspects of the surroundings of people, whether affecting them as individuals or as social groupings. It goes beyond the purely physical environment to incorporate social welfare and human activities. It says that environmental factors must be defined and considered before decisions are made, including those associated with the preparation and making of plans. Consideration of environmental factors should include opportunities for public involvement in the decision-making.

...back to top

---

Additional Material

Department of Environment and Planning, Manual for Environmental Impact Assessment, Sydney 1985, reprinted 1990.