Welcome to our website

Better Planning Network (BPN) is a state wide, volunteer-based, not for profit incorporated community organisation.  It was established in 2012 in response to the then O’Farrell Government’s proposed planning reforms that prioritised developer profits over the public interest.

BPN group and individual members and its supporters strongly advocate for best practices in planning, including authentic community engagement.

The aim of Better Planning Network (BPN) is for a robust and visionary planning system for NSW – one that fosters best practice environmental, heritage, social sustainability and design outcomes. To that end, the A Community Charter for Good Planning in NSW was developed by a coalition of community and environmental peak bodies. We hope that all Parliamentary parties and Independents will support the Charter, whose five principles are key to good planning outcomes for NSW. 

Problem: NSW’s planning system is broken, and it’s putting profits over people
Agitate: The current NSW government has introduced reforms that prioritise developer profits over the public interest. This is having a negative impact on our environment, heritage, and social sustainability
Solution: BPN is a state wide, volunteer-based community organisation that is fighting for a better planning system in NSW. We believe that everyone deserves to live in a community that is healthy and sustainable, and we will not rest until this is a reality.
Problem: Too often politics gets in the way of good planning, which can hurt communities and the environment
Agitate: It’s hard to know who to trust when it comes to planning decisions. You want your community to thrive, but you also don’t want developers to run roughshod over everything that makes your place special.
Solution: BPN is a grassroots organisation that believes in putting community wellbeing first. We believe that everyone should have a say in how their community develops, and that protecting our environment and heritage is key to a thriving future. We encourage all residents of NSW to get involved in better planning for their state.