Summary of "Rapid assessment framework (September 2021)"

Summary of the Rapid Assessment Framework (RAF) Information Session

Main Ideas and Concepts

The Rapid Assessment Framework (RAF) is a policy reform package aimed at improving the efficiency, quality, and transparency of environmental impact assessments (EIA) for major projects in New South Wales (NSW).
The reforms are part of the broader Planning Reform Action Plan and the Premier’s productivity agenda, focusing on reducing assessment timeframes and improving outcomes.
Major projects are crucial to the NSW economy, with significant capital investment, making efficient assessment systems especially important post-COVID.
The reforms respond to stakeholder feedback, criticisms about the planning system’s timeliness, and prior reviews such as the Kaldas Review.

Key Components of the Reform Package

Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (REAP) Scheme
- From 1 July 2022, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) must be accompanied by a declaration from a certified REAP that the document meets quality and completeness criteria.
- REAPs are qualified, experienced practitioners certified by accredited schemes (Planning Institute of Australia and Certified Environmental Practitioner Scheme).
- The scheme aims to:
  - Improve quality, transparency, and consistency of EIS documents.
  - Reduce delays caused by requests for additional information.
- Applicants are encouraged to engage REAPs early in the EIS preparation process.
- Interested practitioners can apply now to become REAPs through the accredited organizations.
- A grace period exists for EISs with SEARs issued before 1 July 2022, allowing submission without REAP declaration until 31 December 2022.
Industry-Specific Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs)
- Introduced from 1 October 2021, certain major projects can use tailored, industry-specific assessment requirements.
- Eligibility criteria include:
  - Projects that are wholly permissible.
  - Not designated developments.
  - Have potential environmental pollution.
  - Not concept development applications.
- Nine categories of development have standard SEARs (e.g., hospitals, schools, warehouses).
- Benefits include:
  - No need for a scoping report.
  - Faster issuance of SEARs (7 days vs. 28 days).
  - Time savings of at least 21 days in assessment.
  - Greater transparency and certainty for applicants and communities.
- Applicants should verify eligibility and consult the department’s assessment team.
New Guidelines for Major Projects
- Effective from 1 October 2021, with a grace period until 31 March 2022 for EISs with SEARs issued before 1 October.
- Guidelines cover:
  - Form and content requirements for EISs and other assessment documents for State Significant Development (SSD) and State Significant Infrastructure (SSI).
  - Step-by-step instructions, including suggested page lengths, templates, and document structures.
  - Specific requirements such as GIS data specifications and accessibility.
- Three technical guides developed:
  - Engagement Guidelines: Emphasize meaningful, proportionate, and early community engagement following statutory requirements.
  - Social Impact Assessment Guidelines: Provide scalable, consistent methodology for assessing social impacts, emphasizing avoidance/minimization of negative impacts and maximization of positive social benefits.
  - Cumulative Impact Assessment Guidelines: The first of its kind in Australia, providing a standardized approach to assessing project-level cumulative impacts by considering other foreseeable projects and relevant factors.
SEARs Expiry Provision
- SEARs automatically expire after two years unless an extension is granted (up to an additional two years).
- This provision addresses "zombie proposals" that linger in the system for many years, causing uncertainty.
- Applicants should submit EISs within two years of SEAR issuance or contact the department to discuss extensions.
- The department encourages early communication regarding SEAR expiry.

Implementation Timeline

1 October 2021: Majority of reforms including industry-specific SEARs and new guidelines come into effect.
31 March 2022: Deadline for submitting EISs under old guidelines if SEARs were issued before 1 October 2021.
1 July 2022: REAP declaration requirement commences.
31 December 2022: Grace period ends for EIS submissions without REAP declaration for SEARs issued before 1 July 2022.

Roles and Responsibilities

Applicants and proponents: Engage REAPs early, check eligibility for industry-specific SEARs, follow new guidelines, and monitor SEAR expiry dates.
Practitioners: Consider becoming REAPs by applying to accredited organizations.
Department: Monitor REAP schemes, provide guidance, and work with applicants to ensure smooth implementation.
Community and stakeholders: Benefit from improved transparency, engagement, and quality of assessment documentation.