FAQs

The proposed SPP is being developed to provide context and high-level direction on promoting the objectives of the Planning Act.

Once complete it will be used to guide the further development of the strategic framework contained under Part 2 of the NTPS.

The SPP will sit outside of the Planning Scheme, creating a clear hierarchical distinction between long-term strategic objectives and the more technical, implementation-focused provisions of the Planning Scheme.

* In March 2025, the policy was renamed Strategic Planning Policy. Before this time, it was referred to as the Strategic Directions Planning Policy.

Under the Planning Act, the NT Planning Commission (Planning Commission) has a number of functions, which include reviewing the NTPS; as well as preparing integrated strategic plans and guidelines for inclusion in the NTPS.

Section 81N of the Planning Act sets out that the Planning Commission is to decide its own procedures. 

In this context, the development of the SPP serves as a procedural framework, offering high-level guidance to ensure the creation of strategic land use plans and policies builds on and align with the objectives of the Planning Act.

To inform the development of the SPP, the Planning Commission prepared and consulted on a discussion paper, which:

• provided context to strategic planning in the NT
• identified a range of possible topics to underpin the SPP
• defined the role of strategic planning 
• included possible high-level strategic policy statements.

Feedback received from government agencies, service providers, industry and the community on the discussion paper informed the development of the draft SPP.

The release of the draft SPP is the second stage of consultation on the project. 

The SPP will inform the on-going delivery of the strategic framework contained within the planning scheme and will used by the Planning Commission when it:

• creates new strategic land use plans and strategic policies
• reviews existing strategic land use plans and strategic policies. 

The SPP will also provide a useful land use planning context for other Northern Territory Government agencies to inform their own strategic policy frameworks or projects.

There is no statutory requirement or timeframe for review of strategic land use plans and policies. 

Reviews are generally triggered by a range of factors including:

• major change in government policy on land use and development
• new data is made available that could alter outcomes of an existing plan or policy
• change in an area that alters the expected land use outcomes
• community sentiment significantly shifts on an issue or area.

No, the SPP does not directly apply to individual development applications. 

It is intended to provide a high-level framework to guide broader land use planning and strategic decision-making.

The Planning Commission will apply the policy when it prepares integrated strategic plans for inclusion in the NTPS.

The Planning Commission will work with service providers, other government agencies, local governments, industry and the community to ensure the directions and supporting policy are appropriately considered in strategic land use plans; and reflect local needs and circumstances.  

The Minister for Planning however provides the final approval of strategic land use plans.

Whilst the application of the SPP will vary across regions, and depend on varying environmental, economic, and social factors, the policy will promote consistency, efficiency and intergenerational thinking through strategic policy in order to promote the objectives of the Planning Act, which include to:

• protect the quality of life of future generations 
• maintain the health of the natural environment and ecological processes
• assist the provision of public utilities, infrastructure and facilities for the benefit of the community
• promote the sustainable development of land
• promote the responsible use of land and water resources to limit the adverse effects of development on ecological processes
• promote the good design of buildings and other works that respects the amenity of the locality
• assist the conservation and enhancement of places, areas, buildings, other works and landforms that are of cultural, aesthetic, architectural or historical value.

The Planning Commission commenced public exhibition on stage 1 of the project through the release of a discussion paper in May 2024. 

Public exhibition ran for a period of 3 months and included a range of activities to raise awareness and seek feedback, including:

• radio advertising 
• an online survey, hosted on the NTG Have Your Say portal 
• advertisement in NT News 
• display of posters and flyers throughout the main population centres in the NT 
• over 250 emails, inviting comment on the Discussion Paper
• in person project briefings.

Stage 1 of consultation sought to obtain feedback that provided an understanding of:

• community and stakeholder expectations for future land use planning
• whether the proposed themes capture what is needed to guide future growth
• what should be included in a high-level planning policy for each sub-theme
• whether there are any gaps or ways to do things better
• any regional issues that may warrant special recognition in the policy.

A summary of the feedback and how these have been responded to in the draft SPP can be found in the Stage 1 consultation report.

For more information, you can contact the NT Planning Commission through their website, email, or phone (08) 8924 7540.