The NSW Government is proposing changes to the community participation process as part of reforms to make the planning system faster, fairer and more outcomes focused. Under the changes, the Woollahra Community Participation Plan will be replaced by a statewide plan.
The draft statewide Community Participation Plan and a Discussion Paper are currently available for public feedback on the NSW Planning Portal here. The consultation period is from 8 April to 3 June 2026.
Proposed changes in the draft statewide Community Participation Plan include introducing a range of local development types that will be exempt from notification and public exhibition where the development is: permissible in the zone; meets the relevant planning controls in a local environmental plan, development control plan and/or state environmental planning policy; and does not include a 4.6 variation.
Submissions should be received by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) by 5pm Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
Enquires can be directed to the DPHI project team at CPP@dphi.nsw.gov.au
Council staff have also prepared a report to Council which provides a summary of the proposed changes and includes a draft submission for Council’s endorsement. The report will be considered by the Environmental Planning Committee on 4 May 2026 and can be viewed here (see Item 7.4 on the Agenda).
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
The Royal Commission is interested in hearing from Jewish Australians
about their experiences of antisemitism in their daily lives, whether at schools, university,
in the workplace or anywhere else; and
encourages members of the community who would be willing to share information that is relevant to the to the Terms of Reference of the Commission to make a submission online or by email. A submission can be made to the Commission through the Commission’s website using the webform or by email to: ASCRC.Submissions@royalcommission.gov.au. Submissions will be able to be
made until at least the end of May 2026.
Outer Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Program
The Sydney Coastal Councils Group, which Woollahra Council is a member of, is seeking community input to help inform its Outer Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Program. This will guide a coordinated, long-term approach to managing coastal hazards, enhancing ecological health and improving public amenity, ensuring the harbour remains a vibrant and resilient asset for generations to come.
Help shape the future of outer Sydney Harbour by sharing your values, issues and aspirations. Find out more, add your comments to the interactive map and provide feedback by 31 March 2026.
Moore Park South - Greater Sydney Parklands
The NSW Government has prepared a draft Establishment Plan which details its plan to transform 20 hectares of Moore Park South into green open space to support the needs of the growing nearby communities.
Community and stakeholder feedback on the draft Establishment Plan is now closed. Find out more on the Centennial Parklands website.
Your say on the Paddington Town Hall renewal
The City of Sydney asked for community feedback to help them develop a concept plan for the renewal of Paddington Town Hall. Paddington Library is a valued community service located in Paddington Town Hall. The renewal won’t affect the library’s long-term presence in the building. City of Sydney are working with Woollahra Council to plan for any short-term disruption during the renewal. Feedback closed on 25 September 2025. More details will be shared as plans are developed. Find out more.
Developing a community vision for Victoria Barracks
The City of Sydney invited community members to share their ideas for the future of Victoria Barracks in Paddington. The public consultation ran from Friday 8 August - Friday 19 September 2025 and is now closed. Find out more.
Darling Point Wharf Upgrade - Transport for NSW
The project has received planning approval and work will take approximately 8 months to complete. The community will be notified before works begin. More information is available on the TfNSW website.
Transport for NSW are developing a concept plan for a proposed cycleway on Oxford Street between Taylor Square and Centennial Park Paddington Gates. For more information visit the TfNSW website.
Waterfront Action Group and other concerned groups have lodged an online petition in 2025 with the NSW Legislative Assembly asking for the state government to take action to address pollution caused by decaying vessels and orphaned infrastructure in Sydney Harbour. For more information visit the Save our Sydney Harbour website.
