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Policies and guidelines

The Independent Planning Commission has in place several policies which provide guidance, consistency, accountability, efficiency, and clarity on how we operate -- particularly around our decision-making process for state significant development applications.

These policies and guidelines also address other matters concerning the Commission, our people and our work -- such as conduct, managing conflict of interest or encouraging and promoting community input into our decisions. 

In line with our Transparency Policy, all these documents are made publicly available to help foster a better understanding of how we carry out our important role in the NSW planning system.

Community Participation Plan

Under the Planning Act, planning authorities like the Independent Planning Commission are required to have community participation plans about how and when they will undertake community participation when exercising relevant planning functions. The Planning Act also requires periodic review of all community participation plans.

The Commission has undertaken a review of its existing community participation plan and proposes to make some revisions to it. The revisions are not intended to fundamentally change the Commission’s operations or how the community participates in the Commission’s processes. Rather, the revisions are intended to more accurately and accessibly describe how and why such participation occurs.

The Commission invites any interested person to comment on the proposed revision (Revised Community Participation Plan) until 5pm AEST on 30 June 2023. Comments can be made by email to submissions@ipcn.nsw.gov.au.  Any comments received will be considered by the Commission in finalising the revised plan.

You can access all our current policies and guidelines below.

Access to Information 

Chair Oversight Protocol

Code of Conduct

Community Participation Plan

Complaints Management Policy

Conflicts of Interest Policy

COVID Safe Policy   

Diversity Policy

Ethical Conduct Policy

Fraud Control Policy

Indigenous Engagement Statement

Multicultural Plan

Privacy Statement

Public Hearing Guidelines

Public Meeting Guidelines

Public Submissions Guidelines 

Site Inspection and Locality Tour Guidelines

Scope of Gateway Determination Reviews

Section 34 Conciliation Conference Policy

Transparency Policy


Make a Submission

We recognise the importance of community participation in our decision-making process. Using our ‘Make a submission’ form is the easiest way for you to make a submission on cases currently before the Commission.

Make a Submission