Simplifying low-risk rezoning proposals
On 27 August 2025, the Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment declared 6 new classes of planning scheme amendments that do not require public exhibition under the Planning Act 1999.
Under the declaration, low-risk amendments to the NT Planning Scheme 2020 (sometimes referred to as ‘rezoning applications’) can go straight to the Minister for final decision, rather than undergoing a 28-day public exhibition period.
The declaration saves time and money and supports quicker and more efficient decision making for low-risk proposals that are supported by established planning policy or where community consultation has already occurred.
The declaration is good news for government, industry and the community, and delivers on another recommendation of the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce.
Eligible applications include, for example, introduction of building setback plans into the planning scheme, some proposals to up-zone low density residential land to higher densities, and zone ‘normalisation’ after completion of master planned subdivisions, like the Northcrest and Zuccoli residential developments in Darwin and Palmerston.
Check out the declaration.
For further information about the declaration, contact Lands Planning on 08 8999 8963 or at planning.ntg@nt.gov.au.
