NSW Statewide Community Participation Plan Now in Effect

The new NSW Statewide Community Participation Plan (CPP) came into effect on 1 September 2026, introducing a consistent framework for planning consultation across NSW.

The statewide Plan replaces more than 100 individual Community Participation Plans and applies to planning authorities, including councils and NSW Government agencies with relevant planning approval functions. It standardises consultation and public exhibition requirements, while placing greater focus on earlier engagement where community input can have the greatest impact.

What This Means for Engagement Professionals

For engagement professionals working across NSW planning, the new CPP provides an important framework for how and when communities are engaged in planning matters.

Engagement Institute provided a submission on the draft CPP during public exhibition, advocating for meaningful engagement that goes beyond minimum requirements. We’re encouraged to see the final approach reflect several areas raised in our submission, including clearer engagement objectives, earlier engagement and greater focus on how community input connects with decision-making.

As organisations begin working within the new framework, the opportunity is to ensure greater consistency supports — rather than replaces — engagement that responds to local context, builds trust and gives communities meaningful opportunities to inform decisions.

READ THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PLAN

READ OUR ADVOCACY SUBMISSION