Planning and Infrastructure Minister Brad Hazzard said the paper followed nearly a year of public meetings across the state by the independent reviewers Tim Moore and Ron Dyer.

“The NSW government considers community and council input to the planning green paper as paramount and has increased the feedback period as sought by some sectors of local government,” Hazzard said.

“A New Planning System for NSW – Green Paper, was to be exhibited until 14 September 2012 for further community and council input to inform the next stage [the draft bill and white paper] but it will now be extended to 5 October 2012 for councils.

“The government encourages all councils to consider the paper and make submissions as soon as possible.”

Upcoming local government elections should not preclude proper consideration of the green paper and input from councils, Hazzard said.

“There are 152 councils across NSW with councillors that generally have at least four years’ experience and it would be valuable for the NSW community to have the insights of those experienced councillors before some move on,” he said.

“I therefore ask all councils to assist the government in progressing the renewal of the planning system by considering the green paper and making submissions.

“The extension of the formal closing date for submissions is yet further confirmation of the NSW government commitment to true community consultation and engagement but it would be helpful if councils get their submissions in as quickly as possible.”