New South Wales: NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 (NSW)

NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 No 80 An Act to establish the NSW Reconstruction Authority; to provide for the Authority's functions and powers; to provide for other matters to assist NSW communities to recover from disasters and improve resilience for potential disasters; to make related amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 and the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989; and for related purposes. Part 1 Preliminary Division 1 Introduction 1 Name of Act This Act is the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022. 2 Commencement This Act commences as follows— (a) the following provisions commence on the date of assent to this Act— (i) Part 1, (ii) Part 2, Divisions 1 and 3–6, (iii) section 10, other than section 10(1)(a)–(m) and (q)–(s), (iv) Part 3, (v) sections 87, 89 and 94, (vi) Schedule 1, (vii) Schedule 3, section 1, (viii) Schedule 4, (ix) Schedules 5.1[3] and [4] and 5.2, (b) otherwise—on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation. 3 Primary object The primary object of this Act is to promote community resilience to the impact of disasters in New South Wales through— (a) disaster prevention, preparedness and adaptation, and (b) recovery and reconstruction following disasters. 4 How primary object is to be achieved The primary object is to be achieved by— (a) establishing the NSW Reconstruction Authority to facilitate community resilience to the impact of disasters in New South Wales through prevention, preparedness and adaptation, and (b) providing for the functions and powers of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, including functions and powers to— (i) facilitate the protection, recovery and reconstruction of affected communities, and (ii) mitigate against the impact of potential disasters on communities, and (iii) improve the resilience and adaptability of affected communities in relation to potential disasters, including, for example, by the betterment of affected communities, and (c) providing for the exercise of functions by the chief executive officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, subject to the Minister's control and direction, including ensuring the Authority exercises its functions effectively and efficiently. Division 2 Interpretation 5 Definitions The Dictionary in Schedule 4 defines certain terms used in this Act. Note— The Interpretation Act 1987 contains definitions and other provisions that affect the interpretation and application of this Act. 6 Meaning of "disaster" In this Act, disaster includes the following— (a) natural disasters, including, for example, bushfires, coastal hazards, cyclones, earthquakes, floods, heatwaves, landslides, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and tsunamis, (b) hazards caused by natural disasters including air pollution, water and soil contamination and water insecurity, (c) other emergencies in relation to which the Minister has requested assistance from the Authority, (d) other emergencies in relation to which— (i) a public authority, including a Minister other than the Minister administering this Act, has requested assistance from the Authority, and (ii) the Authority has agreed to provide assistance, (e) events, incidents or matters, or classes of events, incidents or matters, prescribed by the regulations. Part 2 NSW Reconstruction Authority Division 1 Establishment and status of Authority 7 Establishment The NSW Reconstruction Authority is established. 8 Status of Authority The Authority is— (a) a corporation, and (b) a NSW Government agency. Note— See the Interpretation Act 1987, section 13A, which provides that a NSW Government agency has the status, privileges and immunities of the Crown. 9 Ministerial control The Authority is subject to the control and direction of the Minister in the exercise of the Authority's functions. Division 2 Functions of Authority 10 Functions (1) The Authority's functions are as follows— (a) disaster prevention and preparedness, including— (i) identifying, assessing and managing the risks from disasters, and (ii) leading disaster resilience, adaptation and mitigation activities, and (iii) building community capacity and resilience to disasters, and (iv) developing and implementing methodologies for disaster resilience, adaptation and mitigation activities, (b) reconstruction and recovery following disasters and other emergencies, including— (i) assisting the Minister administering the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 and the State Emergency Recovery Controller to exercise the Minister's and Controller's functions in relation to recovery under that Act, and (ii) facilitating, coordinating and directing the recovery, planning and rebuilding of affected communities, including repairing and rebuilding land and infrastructure and other development, and (iii) balancing constraints to enable a focused, timely and expedited recovery of affected communities, (c) information provision and exchange and community engagement, including— (i) supporting collaboration and coordination between government agencies, local councils, service providers and communities to improve disaster prevention, preparedness, recovery, reconstruction and adaptation, and (ii) increasing the flow of information and enabling community participation to support the development of strategies for disaster prevention, preparedness, recovery, reconstruction and adaptation, (d) to coordinate the development and implementation of whole-of-government policies for— (i) managing the risk of disasters in the State, and (ii) ensuring communities can recover, reconstruct and adapt effectively and efficiently following disasters, and (iii) improving the preparedness and resilience of communities for potential disasters, (e) to prepare and implement a State disaster mitigation plan for disasters in the State, (f) to provide advice and support to local councils to help maximise the effectiveness of councils' disaster preparedness and reconstruction programs, (g) to provide advice and assistance to local councils and relevant strategic planning authorities under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to ensure strategic plans prepared under that Act, Division 3.1 and the State disaster mitigation plan align, (h) to lead the management and coordination of housing and infrastructure renewal and recovery within affected communities, (i) to work closely with affected communities to ensure the needs of each community are recognised in the recovery and reconstruction of the community, and to improve the disaster preparedness and resilience of communities, (j) to lead public education on disaster risks and certain disaster preparations, (k) to carry out research, and provide advice, proposals, recommendations and reports to the Minister, about— (i) disaster prevention and preparedness, and (ii) recovery and reconstruction following disasters, (l) to enter into joint ventures, project delivery agreements and other arrangements with landowners, developers, State and Commonwealth government agencies and local councils in relation to disaster prevention, recovery and reconstruction, (m) to implement funding schemes to provide financial support in relation to disaster prevention, recovery and reconstruction, (n) to carry out rezoning and land use planning, including exercising the functions of local councils for the purpose of land use planning in relation to disasters, (o) to carry out flood modelling and the determination of flood planning levels, particularly in relation to high risk catchments, (p) to assist with the development of flood plans, (q) to monitor the cumulative impact of disasters on the State, including by collecting and storing data about the impact, or likely impact, of disasters across the State, (r) to exercise other functions conferred or imposed on the Authority by or under this Act or another Act, (s) to do anything supplementary, incidental or consequential on the exercise of the Authority's functions under paragraphs (a)–(r). (2) To avoid doubt— (a) the functions of the Authority are not intended to limit functions given to agencies by the State Emergency Management Plan under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, and (b) to the extent of any inconsistency between a direction given by the Authority or chief executive officer in exercising functions under this Act and a direction given by the State Emergency Recovery Controller in exercising functions under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, the direction given by the State Emergency Recovery Controller under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 prevails. (3) In this section— State Emergency Recovery Controller means the State Emergency Recovery Controller appointed under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989. 11 Authority's powers (1) The Authority has all the powers of an individual and may, for example— (a) enter into contracts, and (b) acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property, and (c) appoint agents and attorneys, and (d) engage consultants, and (e) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done in the exercise of the Authority's functions. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Authority has the powers given to it under this Act or another Act. 12 Authority may carry out development on certain land in particular circumstances (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Authority may carry out development on land (specified land) if— (a) the Authority is satisfied— (i) the specified land is in a part of the State that has been, or is likely to be, directly or indirectly affected by a disaster, and (ii) the development is necessary to give effect to the primary object of this Act, and (iii) given the nature of the disaster or likely disaster, and its direct or indirect effect on the specified land, carrying out the development immediately is appropriate in the circumstances, and (iv) the development will not involve clearing native vegetation or will involve clearing native vegetation only to the minimum extent necessary, or (b) the Authority is satisfied— (i) the specified land is not in a part of the State that has been, or is likely to be, directly affected by a disaster but the development is a direct response to the disaster or likely disaster, and Example— development for the purposes of residential accommodation to house residents who have been displaced by a disaster (ii) the development is necessary to give effect to the primary object of this Act, and (iii) that, given the nature of the disaster or likely disaster and its impact, carrying out the development immediately is appropriate in the circumstances, and (iv) the development will not involve clearing native vegetation or will involve clearing native vegetation only to the minimum extent necessary. (2) The Authority may carry out development under subsection (1)(a)(i) on specified land that is likely to be affected by a disaster, or development under subsection (1)(b)(i) that is a direct response to a likely disaster, only if the Premier has made a declaration under subsection (3) authorising the proposed development. (3) The Premier may, by written order given to the Authority (a proposed development declaration), declare that proposed development is authorised to be carried out under this section if— (a) the Authority has asked that the proposed development declaration be made, and (b) the specified land is likely to be directly or indirectly affected by a disaster or the development is a direct response to a likely disaster, and (c) the development is necessary to give effect to the primary object of this Act, and (d) carrying out the development immediately is appropriate in the circumstances given— (i) for development mentioned in subsection (1)(a)—the nature of the likely disaster and its direct or indirect effect on the specified land, or (ii) for development mentioned in subsection (1)(b)—the nature of the likely disaster and its impact. (4) The proposed development declaration must specify the period during which development may be carried out under the declaration. (5) The Authority must, by Gazette notice— (a) give notice of development being carried out under subsection (1), within 14 days after the development starts, and (b) give notice of the making of a proposed development declaration under subsection (3), within 14 days after the declaration is made. (6) A Gazette notice under subsection (5)(a) must specify the date, not later than the end of the period during which development may be carried out under the proposed development declaration, that is— (a) the day on which the Gazette notice expires, and (b) the last day on which development on the specified land may be carried out under this section. (7) Failure to publish a notice as required by subsection (5)(a) or (b) does not affect— (a) the power of the Authority to carry out, or to continue to carry out, the development on the specified land, or (b) the validity of the proposed development declaration. (8) This section applies despite— (a) another provision of this Act, or (b) a provision of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or an instrument made under that Act. 13 Authority may direct relevant entities (1) The Authority may, by written notice given to a relevant entity, direct the relevant entity to take any of the following actions (a relevant action)— (a) to provide assistance to the Authority in the exercise of the Authority's functions under this Act or another Act, (b) for a local council—to take certain action in the exercise of— (i) the council's functions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or (ii) other functions of the council as prescribed by the regulations, (c) for another planning authority—to take certain action in the exercise of the planning authority's functions as prescribed by the regulations, (d) for another relevant entity—to take certain action in the exercise of the relevant entity's functions as prescribed by the regulations. (2) The Authority may give a direction to a relevant entity under subsection (1) only if the Authority is satisfied— (a) the relevant action relates to a disaster or likely disaster, and (b) the relevant action is necessary to give effect to the primary object of this Act, and (c) given the nature of the disaster or likely disaster, and its direct or indirect effect on a part of the State, directing the relevant entity to take the relevant action immediately is appropriate in the circumstances. (3) A relevant entity given a direction under subsection (1) must comply with the direction unless the entity has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units. 14 Cooperation with other agencies (1) In exercising its functions, the Authority may work in cooperation with other government agencies, and other persons and bodies, the Authority thinks appropriate, whether or not the agencies, persons or bodies are in or of the State. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Authority may, if asked by a public authority, including a Minister, assist the public authority to respond to issues that impact on the safety or wellbeing of an affected community or members of an affected community. (3) The Authority may consult with, and disseminate information to, other government agencies, and other persons and bodies, the Authority thinks appropriate, whether or not the agencies, persons or bodies are in or of the State. (4) Each relevant entity is under a duty to cooperate with the Authority in the exercise of the Authority's functions. 15 Delegation (1) The Authority may delegate the exercise of a function of the Authority under this Act or another Act, other than this power of delegation, to an authorised person. (2) A person to whom the exercise of a function is delegated under subsection (1) may subdelegate the exercise of the function to an authorised person if authorised by the Authority to subdelegate the exercise of the function. (3) In this section— authorised person means— (a) a member of staff of the Authority, or (b) a person, or a class of persons, prescribed by the regulations for this section. Division 3 Staff of Authority 16 Staff (1) The staff of the Authority consist of— (a) a chief executive officer, who is the person who is employed in the Public Service as the chief executive officer of the Authority, and (b) the other members of the staff of the Authority. (2) (Repealed) Division 4 Chief executive officer 17 Role (1) The chief executive officer is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Authority. (2) An act, matter or thing done in the name of, or on behalf of, the Authority by the chief executive officer is taken to have been done by the Authority. (3) The chief executive officer is entitled to attend and participate in discussions at meetings of the Advisory Board but is not entitled to vote at the meetings. 18 Functions (1) The main functions of the chief executive officer are as follows— (a) to ensure the Authority exercises its functions effectively and efficiently, (b) to carry out or commission investigations, prepare plans or take steps the Minister directs, or the chief executive officer considers necessary or desirable, to ensure proper planning, preparation, coordination and control of development for the protection, rebuilding and recovery of affected communities, (c) to make recommendations to the Minister about a matter that— (i) relates to the performance or exercise of the chief executive officer's or Authority's functions or powers, and (ii) may help the Minister with the proper administration of this Act. (2) The chief executive officer's functions also include other functions given to the chief executive officer under this Act or another Act. 19 Delegation (1) The chief executive officer may delegate the exercise of a function of the chief executive officer under this Act or another Act, other than the following powers, to an authorised person— (a) the power to give a direction under section 13, (b) this power of delegation. (2) In this section— authorised person means— (a) a member of staff of the Authority, or (b) a person, or a class of persons, prescribed by the regulations for this section. Division 5 Other members of staff 20 Staff Persons may be employed in the Public Service under the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 to enable the Authority to exercise its functions. Note— The Government Sector Employment Act 2013, section 59 provides that the persons so employed, or whose services the Authority makes use of, may be referred to as officers or employees, or members of staff, of the Authority. The Constitution Act 1902, section 47A precludes the Authority from employing staff. Division 6 Other assistance 21 Alternative staffing, facilities and other resources The chief executive officer may arrange for the use of the services of any members of staff, by secondment or otherwise, or facilities or other resources, of— (a) a Public Service agency, or (b) a public authority or local authority. Division 7 Financial matters 22 NSW Reconstruction Authority Fund (1) There is to be established in the Special Deposits Account a NSW Reconstruction Authority Fund (the Fund). (2) The following amounts may be paid into the Fund— (a) money advanced to the Authority by the Treasurer or the Commonwealth, or appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Authority, (b) money directed or authorised to be paid into the Fund by or under this Act or another Act, (c) the proceeds of the investment of money in the Fund, (d) money received by the Authority from another source, including money received from a funding scheme implemented by the Authority or donations and philanthropic contributions, (e) an amount, or an amount of a class, prescribed by the regulations. (3) The following amounts may be paid from the Fund— (a) amounts required to meet expenditure incurred by the Authority, (b) amounts required to be paid by the Authority in accordance with a funding scheme implemented by the Authority, (c) other payments required by this Act or another Act to be paid from the Fund, (d) an amount, or an amount of a class, prescribed by the regulations. (4) To avoid doubt, the Authority may spend money mentioned in subsection (2)(d) for any purpose that will assist the Authority to achieve the primary object of this Act. (5) The Fund is to be administered by the Authority. (6) The Authority may invest money in the Fund— (a) if the Authority is a GSF agency for the Government Sector Finance Act 2018, Part 6—in any way the Authority is permitted to invest money under that Part, or (b) if the Authority is not a GSF agency for the Government Sector Finance Act 2018, Part 6—in any way approved by the Minister with the concurrence of the Treasurer. (7) The Authority must, if asked by the Treasurer, repay money advanced to the Authority by the Treasurer. 23 Payments out of Consolidated Fund for exigencies (1) This section applies if the annual Appropriation Act for an annual reporting period for the NSW Government has already been enacted. (2) The Treasurer may, with the concurrence of the Minister, determine that additional money is to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund during the annual reporting period for the NSW Government, in anticipation of appropriation by Parliament, if the money is required to meet exigencies of the Authority during the annual reporting period. (3) The Treasurer must ensure details of the payments of money under subsection (2) are included in the Budget Papers for the next annual reporting period for the Authority. (4) In this section— annual Appropriation Act has the same meaning as in the Government Sector Finance Act 2018. annual reporting period has the same meaning as in the Government Sector Finance Act 2018. Budget Papers has the same meaning as in the Government Sector Finance Act 2018. Consolidated Fund has the same meaning as in the Government Sector Finance Act 2018. Part 3 NSW Reconstruction Authority Advisory Board Division 1 Establishment and functions 24 The Advisory Board The Authority has an advisory board known as the NSW Reconstruction Authority Advisory Board (the Advisory Board). 25 Functions of Advisory Board The functions of the Advisory Board are as follows— (a) to provide advice to the chief executive officer about the Authority's strategic priorities, (b) to make recommendations to the chief executive officer about— (i) priorities for community infrastructure, other property and community services needed for the protection, rebuilding and recovery of affected communities, and (ii) the need for the declaration of declared projects, reconstruction areas and disaster prevention areas, (c) to provide advice to the Minister and chief executive officer in relation to the Authority's functions, including— (i) whether the Authority is exercising the Authority's functions in an appropriate, effective and efficient way, and (ii) any other matter requested by the Minister or chief executive officer. Division 2 Members 26 Membership of Advisory Board (1) The Advisory Board consists of the following members appointed by the Governor— (a) a Chairperson nominated by the Minister, (b) 4 other members nominated by the Minister, (c) 2 members nominated by the Commonwealth. (2) Each member of the Advisory Board must be a person who, in the opinion of the person nominating the person for appointment, has skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the Authority's functions, including skills, knowledge and experience relevant to assessing whether the Authority is exercising its functions in an appropriate, effective and efficient way. (2A) Also, at least one of the members of the Advisory Board must be a person who, in the Minister's opinion, has considerable experience in a senior role with a local council. Example— experience as a senior manager of a local council (3) If the office of a member mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) becomes vacant, the Minister must nominate a new member for appointment by the Governor within 3 months after the vacancy occurs. (4) If the office of a member mentioned in subsection (1)(c) becomes vacant and the Commonwealth does not nominate a new member within 3 months after the vacancy occurs, the Minister may nominate a person for appointment to the office. (5) Schedule 1 has effect in relation to the Advisory Board. 27 Conditions of appointment (1) A member of the Advisory Board is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Governor. (2) A member of the Advisory Board holds office on the terms and conditions, not provided by this Act, that are decided by the Governor. Division 3 Chairperson 28 Role of Chairperson The Chairperson of the Advisory Board is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Board to ensure the Board exercises its functions appropriately. Division 4 Other matters 29 Reports (1) The Chairperson of the Advisory Board must, as soon as practicable after the end of each quarter, give the Minister a report about the exercise of the Authority's functions during the quarter. (2) The Chairperson of the Advisory Board must ensure that a copy of each report under subsection (1) is published on an appropriate website within 14 days after the report is given to the Minister. (3) In this section— appropriate website means— (a) the Authority's website, or (b) another appropriate government website. quarter means the following periods in each year— (a) 1 January to 31 March, (b) 1 April to 30 June, (c) 1 July to 30 September, (d) 1 October to 31 December. Part 4 State disaster mitigation plan and disaster adaptation plans Division 1 State disaster mitigation plan 30 Requirement to have State disaster mitigation plan The Authority must have a disaster mitigation plan (a State disaster mitigation plan), approved by the Minister, for the State. 31 Purpose of State disaster mitigation plan (1) The purpose of the State disaster mitigation plan is to provide guidance about the mitigation of disasters across the State, including setting priorities for action to be taken under— (a) the plan, and (b) disaster adaptation plans, and (c) strategic plans under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. (2) The State disaster mitigation plan must include or identify the following matters— (a) potential strategies and actions for mitigating the impact of disasters on the State, (b) an assessment, and consideration, of the impacts of climate change on disasters, (c) priority areas or regions for projects to mitigate the impact of disasters, (d) the basis on which the Authority will monitor and report on the implementation of the strategies and actions mentioned in paragraph (a), (e) other matters prescribed by the regulations. (3) In preparing the State disaster mitigation plan, the Authority must have regard to any matters— (a) prescribed by the regulations, and (b) the Minister directs the Authority to have regard to, and (c) the Authority considers relevant. 32 Preparation of State disaster mitigation plan (1) The Authority must— (a) prepare a draft State disaster mitigation plan, and (b) submit the draft plan to the Minister for approval. (2) After reviewing the draft State disaster mitigation plan, the Minister must— (a) approve the draft plan, or (b) approve the draft plan with changes the Minister considers necessary or appropriate. 33 Review and update of State disaster mitigation plan (1) The Authority must review and update the State disaster mitigation plan— (a) at least once every 5 years, or (b) as otherwise directed by the Minister. (2) In reviewing and updating the State disaster mitigation plan, the Authority must have regard to any disaster adaptation plans. (3) The regulations may provide for further matters in relation to reviewing and updating the State disaster mitigation plan. 34 Report about implementation of State disaster mitigation plan (1) The Authority must prepare a report about the implementation of the State disaster mitigation plan. (2) The Authority must give a report prepared under subsection (1) to the Minister within 5 years after the commencement of this Division. Division 2 Disaster adaptation plans 35 Requirement to prepare disaster adaptation plans (1) The Authority may, by written notice given to a relevant entity, require the relevant entity to prepare a disaster adaptation plan. (2) The Authority may also, on its own initiative or as directed by the Minister, prepare a disaster adaptation plan. 36 Content of disaster adaptation plans (1) A disaster adaptation plan must provide for the following— (a) for a plan prepared by a relevant entity—the specific projects, strategies or actions the relevant entity will undertake to prevent or minimise the impact of disasters, (b) for a plan prepared by the Authority—the specific projects, strategies or actions the Authority will undertake to prevent or minimise the impact of disasters. (2) A disaster adaptation plan must— (a) be developed having regard to the guidance about the mitigation of disasters included in the State disaster mitigation plan, including priorities for action to be taken under disaster adaptation plans, and (b) include or identify the following— (i) relevant priority areas or regions for projects to mitigate the impact of disasters identified in the State disaster mitigation plan, (ii) relevant strategies and actions for mitigating the impact of disasters identified in the State disaster mitigation plan, (iii) actions required to support the relevant strategies and actions for mitigating the impact of disasters, (iv) an assessment, and consideration, of the impacts of climate change on disasters, (v) other matters the Authority directs the relevant entity to include or identify in the plan, (vi) actions required to address the matters referred to in subparagraph (v), (vii) the basis on which the relevant entity will monitor and report on the implementation of the disaster adaptation plan, and (c) be prepared in accordance with procedures or requirements prescribed by the regulations. 37 Guidelines (1) The Authority may issue guidelines about preparing, making and implementing disaster adaptation plans. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the guidelines may include— (a) requirements for the form and content of disaster adaptation plans, and (b) procedures for finalising, making and reviewing disaster adaptation plans, and (c) information about how disaster adaptation plans should be applied, including the relationship between disaster adaptation plans and other policies and plans, including, for example— (i) the State disaster mitigation plan, and (ii) the State Emergency Management Plan under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, and (iii) strategic plans under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Division 3 Implementation of State disaster mitigation plan and disaster adaptation plans 38 Implementation (1) A relevant entity must have regard to the State disaster mitigation plan and any relevant disaster adaptation plan in exercising any of the relevant entity's functions that are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section. (2) The Authority must have regard to the State disaster mitigation plan and any relevant disaster adaptation plan in exercising any of the Authority's functions that are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section. (3) A local council must have regard to the State disaster mitigation plan and any relevant disaster adaptation plan in exercising the local council's functions under— (a) the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and (b) the Local Government Act 1993. (4) A planning authority, other than a local council, must have regard to the State disaster mitigation plan and any relevant disaster adaptation plan in exercising the planning authority's functions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. (5) The regulations may also prescribe circumstances in which a relevant entity, the Authority or a local council or other planning authority is not required to have regard to the State disaster mitigation plan or a relevant disaster adaptation plan. Part 5 Declaration of declared projects, reconstruction areas and disaster prevention areas 39 Declaration of declared projects (1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare a project for proposed development to be a declared project. (2) However, the Minister may make a declaration under subsection (1) only if— (a) the Minister is satisfied the project will be carried out in a part of the State that has been directly or indirectly affected by a disaster, and (b) the Authority has recommended making the declaration, and (c) the Minister is satisfied the declaration is necessary to help— (i) facilitate the protection, rebuilding and recovery of an affected community, or (ii) mitigate against potential disasters for an affected community, or (iii) improve the resilience of an affected community for potential disasters through, for example, the betterment of the community. (3) The order must describe the land to which the declared project relates. (4) An order under subsection (1) may also specify that an Act or a statutory instrument does not apply in relation to the declared project, including the circumstances in which the Act or statutory instrument does not apply. 40 Declaration of reconstruction areas (1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare a part of the State to be a reconstruction area. (2) However, the Minister may make a declaration under subsection (1) only if— (a) the Minister is satisfied the part of the State has been directly or indirectly affected by a disaster, and (b) the Authority has recommended the making of the declaration, and (c) the Minister is satisfied the declaration is necessary to help— (i) facilitate the protection, rebuilding and recovery of an affected community, or (ii) mitigate against potential disasters for an affected community, or (iii) improve the resilience of an affected community for potential disasters through, for example, the betterment of the community. (3) An order under subsection (1) may also specify that an Act or a statutory instrument does not apply in relation to the reconstruction area, including the circumstances in which the Act or statutory instrument does not apply. 41 Declaration of disaster prevention areas (1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette and with the concurrence of the Premier, declare a part of the State to be a disaster prevention area. (2) The Minister may make a declaration under subsection (1) only if— (a) the Minister is satisfied the part of the State is likely to be directly or indirectly affected by a disaster, and (b) the Authority has recommended making the declaration, and (c) the Minister is satisfied the declaration is necessary to help prevent, or mitigate against, potential disasters for a community. (3) A declaration remains in force for the period specified in the order, unless sooner revoked. (4) An order under subsection (1) may also specify that an Act or a statutory instrument does not apply in relation to the disaster prevention area, including the circumstances in which the Act or statutory instrument does not apply. Part 6 Declared projects, reconstruction areas and disaster prevention areas Division 1 Preliminary 42 Definitions In this Part— decision-maker means— (a) for a prescribed decision—the entity that may make the decision under the relevant law for the decision, and (b) for a prescribed process—the entity responsible for undertaking the process under the relevant law for the process. notice to decide—see section 50(1). prescribed decision means a decision, in relation to a declared project or development in a reconstruction area or disaster prevention area, required to be made under a law of the State, including, for example, a decision about constructing, undertaking, carrying out, establishing, maintaining or operating a declared project or development in a reconstruction area or disaster prevention area. prescribed process means a process, in relation to a declared project or development in a reconstruction area or disaster prevention area, required to be undertaken under a law of the State, including, for example, a process under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. progression notice—see section 51(1). relevant land means land within a reconstruction area or disaster prevention area. relevant law, for a prescribed decision or prescribed process, means the law, other than this Act, under which the decision may be made or the process undertaken. step-in notice—see section 52(1). 43 Application of Part This Part applies if the Minister declares— (a) a project for proposed development to be a declared project, or (b) a part of the State to be a reconstruction area, or (c) a part of the State to be a disaster prevention area. 44 Application of other laws (1) This Part applies despite another Act or law. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), if a provision in this Part provides for a period during which a thing or matter must be done, the provision applies despite a provision of another Act or law that provides for a period during which the thing or matter must be done. Division 2 Functions of Authority in relation to declared projects, reconstruction areas and disaster prevention areas 45 Particular powers of Authority in relation to declarations The Authority has the following powers in relation to a declared project or a reconstruction area or disaster prevention area— (a) the power to acquire land for the declared project, or relevant land— (i) by agreement, or (ii) by compulsory process in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, (b) the power to give a notice to decide to a decision-maker, (c) the power to give a progression notice to a decision-maker, (d) the power to give a step-in notice to a decision-maker. 46 Functions of Authority in relation to land The Authority may, for the purposes of this Act— (a) manage land vested in the Authority or relevant land, and (b) arrange for surveys to be made, and plans of survey to be prepared, in relation to land vested in the Authority or relevant land, and (c) demolish, or arrange to be demolished, any building within or adjoining or in the vicinity of land vested in the Authority or relevant land, and (d) provide, or arrange, on terms and conditions agreed on, for the location or relocation of, utility services within or adjoining or in the vicinity of land vested in the Authority or relevant land, and (e) subdivide and re-subdivide land, and consolidate subdivided or re-subdivided land, vested in the Authority, and (f) set out and construct roads, or temporarily or permanently close roads, on land vested in the Authority or relevant land, and (g) erect, alter, repair and renovate buildings on, and make other improvements to, land vested in the Authority or other land with the consent of the person in whom the land is vested, or on relevant land, and (h) carry out work on or in relation to land vested in the Authority, or any other land with the consent of the person in whom the land is vested, or relevant land for the purpose of rendering the land fit for any purpose for which the land may be used under an environmental planning instrument applying to the land. 47 Disposal of land (1) The Authority may, with the approval of the Minister and subject to the terms and conditions decided by the Minister— (a) sell, lease, exchange or otherwise deal with or dispose of land vested in the Authority, and (b) grant easements or rights-of-way over the land or part of the land. (2) Despite subsection (1), the approval of the Minister is not required for a lease of land by the Authority for a term less than 3 years. 48 Dedication of land (1) The Authority may, by Gazette notice, declare that the Authority proposes to surrender to the Crown land vested in the Authority and described or referred to in the declaration to be dedicated— (a) for a public purpose specified in the declaration, or (b) if specified in the declaration—as a public road. (2) The Authority may make a declaration under subsection (1) only with the concurrence of the Minister administering the Crown Land Management Act 2016. (3) When land described or referred to in a declaration published under subsection (1) is surrendered, the land— (a) becomes Crown land reserved from sale, lease or licence under the Crown Land Management Act 2016, and (b) on revocation of the reservation, may be dedicated— (i) under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 for the public purpose specified in the notice, or (ii) under the Roads Act 1993, section 12 as a public road. (4) The Authority may, in a declaration published under subsection (1), limit the description of, or reference to, land to a specified depth below the surface of the land and, if the description or reference is limited, subsection (1) does not apply to or in relation to land below the depth specified. 49 Application of Public Works and Procurement Act 1912 (1) For the Public Works and Procurement Act 1912— (a) the acquisition of land under section 45(a) is taken to be for an authorised work, and (b) the Authority is, in relation to the authorised work, taken to be the Constructing Authority. (2) The Public Works and Procurement Act 1912, sections 34–37 do not apply to works constructed under this Act. Division 3 Notice to decide 50 Notice to decide (1) The Authority may, by written notice (a notice to decide) given to the decision-maker for a prescribed decision, require the decision-maker to make the decision within the period stated in the notice (the stated period). (2) The notice to decide must— (a) identify the decision, and (b) state the decision-maker must— (i) make the decision within the stated period, and (ii) inform the Authority of the decision within 5 business days after the decision is made. (3) On receiving the notice to decide, the decision-maker must— (a) subject to subsection (5), make the prescribed decision within the stated period, and (b) inform the Authority of the decision within 5 business days after the decision is made. (4) The Authority may, by written notice given to the decision-maker and without the decision-maker's agreement, extend the period for making the prescribed decision. (5) If the Authority extends the period for making the prescribed decision, the decision-maker must make the decision within the extended period. Division 4 Progression notice 51 Progression notice (1) The Authority may, by written notice (a progression notice) given to the decision-maker for a prescribed process, require the decision-maker to undertake, within the period stated in the notice (the stated period), administrative processes required to complete the process. (2) The progression notice must— (a) identify the process, and (b) state the decision-maker must— (i) undertake the process within the stated period, and (ii) inform the Authority of the completion of the process within 5 business days after the process is completed. (3) On receiving the progression notice, the decision-maker must— (a) subject to subsection (5), undertake the prescribed process within the stated period, and (b) inform the Authority of the completion of the process within 5 business days after the process is completed. (4) The Authority may, by written notice given to the decision-maker and without the decision-maker's agreement, extend the period for undertaking the prescribed process. (5) If the Authority extends the period for undertaking the prescribed process, the decision-maker must undertake the process within the extended period. Division 5 Step-in notice 52 Step-in notice (1) The Authority may, with the approval of the Minister, give the decision-maker and applicant for a prescribed decision or a prescribed process a written notice (a step-in notice) advising the decision-maker and applicant the Authority will make an assessment and a decision about the prescribed decision or prescribed process under this Division. (2) Before deciding to approve the giving of a step-in notice, the Minister must be satisfied the giving of the notice is necessary— (a) for the protection, rebuilding or recovery of a community, or (b) to mitigate against potential disasters for a community, or (c) to improve the resilience of a community for potential disasters, including, for example, through the betterment of the community. (3) The step-in notice must— (a) identify the prescribed decision or prescribed process, and (b) state the Authority is the decision-maker for the prescribed decision or prescribed process from the time the notice is given until the Authority makes a decision, under section 56, about the prescribed decision or prescribed process. 53 When step-in notice may be given (1) The Authority may give a step-in notice for a prescribed decision or prescribed process only after a notice to decide or progression notice has been given for the decision or process. (2) If a notice to decide or progression notice has been given for a prescribed decision or prescribed process, the step-in notice may be given at any time after the Authority is satisfied the decision-maker has not complied with the notice to decide or progression notice but before the decision-maker has made the decision or undertaken the process. 54 Providing assistance or recommendations (1) The decision-maker for the prescribed decision or prescribed process must give the Authority all reasonable assistance or materials the Authority requires to act under this Division, including— (a) all material about the prescribed decision or prescribed process the decision-maker had before the step-in notice was given, and (b) any material received about the prescribed decision or prescribed process by the decision-maker after the step-in notice was given. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Authority may, by written notice given to the decision-maker, require the decision-maker to give the Authority, within the reasonable period started in the notice, a written report containing— (a) an assessment of matters, stated in the notice, relevant to the prescribed decision or prescribed process, or (b) recommendations about the assessment mentioned in paragraph (a), including, for example, recommendations about proposed conditions relevant to the prescribed decision or prescribed process. 55 Effects of step-in notice If the Authority gives a step-in notice for a prescribed decision or prescribed process, the Authority— (a) is the decision-maker under the relevant law for the prescribed decision or prescribed process from the time the step-in notice is given until the Authority makes a decision under section 56 about the prescribed decision or prescribed process, and (b) has, for making the decision, all the powers of the decision-maker under the relevant law for the prescribed decision or prescribed process, and (c) must, in making the decision, consider the following— (i) the criteria, if any, for making the prescribed decision or undertaking the prescribed process under the relevant law, (ii) the primary object of this Act. 56 Authority's decision (1) After making an assessment about the prescribed decision or prescribed process, the Authority may— (a) make the decision or undertake the process, or (b) send the decision or process, with or without conditions, back to the decision-maker under the relevant law for the decision or process, or (c) decide aspects of the decision and send undecided aspects of the decision, with or without conditions, back to the decision-maker under the relevant law for the decision. (2) In acting under subsection (1), the Authority may, for the prescribed decision, impose conditions the Authority considers necessary or desirable having regard to— (a) the nature of the declared project, or development in the reconstruction area or disaster prevention area, to which the decision relates, and (b) the matters mentioned in section 55(c). 57 Effects of decision (1) The Authority's decision under section 56 about the prescribed decision or prescribed process, including a decision to impose a condition— (a) is taken to be a decision of the decision-maker (the original decision-maker) under the relevant law for the prescribed decision or prescribed process but a person may not appeal against the Authority's decision under this Act or the relevant law, and (b) takes effect when the applicant for the prescribed decision or prescribed process and the original decision-maker are given notice under section 58(1) of the Authority's decision. (2) If the original decision-maker makes another prescribed decision for the declared project, or development in the reconstruction area or disaster prevention area, to which the step-in notice relates, the other prescribed decision must not be inconsistent with the Authority's decision. 58 Notice of decision (1) The Authority must give notice of the Authority's decision under section 56 about the prescribed decision or prescribed process to the applicant and decision-maker for the prescribed decision or prescribed process. (2) A notice under this section must include— (a) the reasons for the Authority's decision, and (b) the conditions, if any, imposed under section 56(2) in relation to the decision. Division 6 Miscellaneous 59 No requirement to consult on particular matters The Authority is not required to consult with anyone before giving a progression notice or notice to decide. Part 7 Additional step-in functions and powers of Authority Division 1 Step-in functions and powers for delivery of declared projects 60 Application of Division This Division applies in relation to a declared project. 61 Definitions In this Division— assets— (a) means any legal or equitable estate or interest, whether present or future, whether vested or contingent and whether personal or assignable, in real or personal property of any description, and (b) includes money, securities, choses in action and documents. carry out, a project, means carry out development, within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, for the purposes of the project. government agency does not include a council, within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993, or other local authority. liabilities means any liabilities, debts or obligations, whether present or future, whether vested or contingent and whether personal or assignable. project authorisation order—see section 63(1). project divesting order—see section 67(1). rights means any rights, powers, privileges or immunities, whether present or future, whether vested or contingent and whether personal or assignable. 62 Step-in functions of Authority The Authority has the following functions in relation to a declared project— (a) to carry out the project if authorised by a project authorisation order, (b) if the project is being carried out by, or involves, another government agency—to be responsible, in accordance with a project authorisation order, for the project. 63 Project authorisation orders (1) The Minister may make an order for the purposes of this Division (a project authorisation order). (2) A project authorisation order must be published in the Gazette. (3) A project authorisation order may be made on the terms and conditions— (a) decided by the Minister, and (b) specified or referred to in the order. 64 Authorisation to carry out projects A project authorisation order may authorise the Authority to carry out a project specified in the order. 65 Authorisation to take over projects (1) A project authorisation order may, for a project being carried out by or that involves another government agency, declare the Authority to be responsible for the government agency's functions in relation to the project. (2) The following provisions have effect on the making of a project authorisation order under this section— (a) the Authority has and may exercise all the functions of the government agency in relation to the project, (b) the government agency may not exercise functions in relation to the project except with the consent of the Authority, (c) the Authority may, with the approval of the Minister and after consulting with the government agency, give directions to the government agency in relation to the project, (d) the government agency must comply with directions given to the agency under paragraph (c) by the Authority. (3) To avoid doubt, subsection (2) does not limit the terms and conditions of a project authorisation order the Minister may make under this Division. (4) A project authorisation order may relate to the exercise of the functions of more than 1 government agency. (5) Before making a project authorisation order that declares the Authority to be responsible for a project that involves development on land within a national park, the Minister must consult with the Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. (6) Before making a project authorisation order that declares the Authority to be responsible for a project being carried out by or that involves a State owned corporation, the Minister must consult with the following— (a) the portfolio Minister of the State owned corporation, (b) the voting shareholders of the State owned corporation, (c) the Chairperson of the board of directors of the State owned corporation. (7) Failure to comply with subsection (5) or (6) does not affect the validity of a project authorisation order. (8) In this section— national park has the same meaning as in the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. 66 Transfer of assets, rights and liabilities (1) If a project authorisation order declares the Authority to be responsible for another government agency's functions in relation to carrying out a project, the order may provide— (a) for the transfer to the Authority of assets, rights or liabilities of the government agency, or classes of the agency's assets, rights and liabilities, relevant to the project and specified in the order, or (b) that a contract, agreement, conveyance, deed, lease, licence or other instrument or undertaking entered into by the government agency, or class of instruments, is taken to have been entered into by the Authority. (2) Schedule 2 applies to a project authorisation order that provides for the transfer of assets, rights or liabilities under subsection (1)(a). 67 Transfer of projects managed by Authority to government agency (1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette (a project divesting order), direct that the assets, rights or liabilities of the Authority in relation to a project specified in the order, including assets, rights or liabilities transferred to the Authority by a project authorisation order, be transferred to another government agency specified in the order. (2) The assets, rights or liabilities to be transferred by a project divesting order may consist of a specified class of assets, rights or liabilities. (3) A project divesting order may transfer assets, rights or liabilities in relation to a project to more than 1 government agency. (4) A project divesting order may be made on the terms and conditions decided by the Minister and specified or referred to in the order. (5) Schedule 2 applies to a project divesting order. (6) Before making a project divesting order that transfers assets, rights or liabilities to a State owned corporation, the Minister must consult with the following— (a) the portfolio Minister of the State owned corporation, (b) the voting shareholders of the State owned corporation, (c) the Chairperson of the board of directors of the State owned corporation. (7) Failure to comply with subsection (6) does not affect the validity of a project divesting order. Division 2 Development approval powers 68 Ministerial authorisations (1) The Minister may, by order (a Ministerial authorisation), authorise the undertaking of development without the need for— (a) an approval or assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or Example— an approval or environmental assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Part 5 (b) consent from any person. (2) A Ministerial authorisation may be given only— (a) in accordance with subsection (3), or (b) in the exceptional circumstances in subsection (4). (3) For subsection (2)(a), a Ministerial authorisation under subsection (1) may be given only if— (a) the chief executive officer has asked that the authorisation be given in circumstances, or on the basis of a ground, mentioned in paragraph (b)(i) or (ii), and (b) the authorisation is given— (i) during a state of emergency declared under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, or (ii) in relation to a declared project, reconstruction area or disaster prevention area, and (c) the chief executive officer has advised, and the Minister is satisfied— (i) the authorisation is necessary to protect the safety and welfare of members of the public— (A) following a disaster that resulted in the declaration of the state of emergency, or (B) because of the disaster or likely disaster that resulted in the declaration of the declared project, reconstruction area or disaster prevention area, and (ii) the development is in a part of the State that has been, or is likely to be, directly or indirectly affected by the disaster. (4) For subsection (2)(b), a Ministerial authorisation may be given only if the Minister is satisfied— (a) exceptional circumstances exist, and (b) immediate action is required to protect the safety and welfare of members of the public, and (c) no other mechanism available under this Act would be appropriate in the circumstances. (5) The Authority must publish a copy of a Ministerial authorisation in the Gazette within 14 days after the authorisation is given. (6) Failure to publish a Ministerial authorisation under subsection (5) does not affect the authorisation of the development on the specified land or the development that has been, or will be, undertaken under the authorisation. (7) In this section— exceptional circumstances means circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section. 69 Effect of Ministerial authorisation (1) A Ministerial authorisation has effect despite— (a) an environmental planning instrument or development consent, or (b) another Act or statutory instrument specified in the Ministerial authorisation, in the circumstances specified in the authorisation. (2) The giving of a Ministerial authorisation for the carrying out of development is taken to be— (a) for development requiring development consent under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979—a grant of development consent for the development, and any conditions of the authorisation are taken to be conditions of the development consent, or (b) for development that is an activity requiring an environmental assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Part 5, Division 5.1— (i) an approval for the carrying out of the activity, and any conditions of the authorisation are taken to be conditions of the approval, or (ii) if the activity is being carried out by a public authority—an environmental assessment, or (c) for State significant infrastructure that would otherwise require approval under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Part 5, Division 5.2