What is a Review of Environmental Factors (REF)?

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is a written report used to assess the potential environmental impacts of a proposed activity.

• Assesses the environmental impacts of a proposed activity
• Determines whether the activity is likely to have a significant effect on the environment
• Helps decide whether a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required

How do REF’s fit into the NSW Planning system?

Public authorities are responsible for essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, roads, parks, railways, emergency services, water supply, and electricity. Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) provides a cost-effective and streamlined planning approval pathway for public authorities to manage the construction, refurbishment, and maintenance of their infrastructure while ensuring the protection of the environment.

If an environmental planning instrument, such as the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021, identifies an activity as development permitted without consent, a traditional Development Application with Council is not required. Instead, the public authority can undertake an environmental assessment known as a Review of Environmental Factors (REF).

Can Public Authorities rely on the REF pathway?

Environmental planning instruments and Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) set out parameters for what activities can be undertaken through the preparation of a Review of Environmental Factors (REF). Certain triggers may place an activity outside the scope of an REF, such as where it is considered likely to significantly affect the environment. In these cases, a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) may be required.

Monteath & Powys experience

Monteath & Powys is a specialist planning consultant in the preparation of REF’s. Our team leverages extensive experience and industry relationships to help public authorities benefit from the REF pathway (where appropriate), delivering a cost-effective and streamlined planning approval process for construction, refurbishment, and maintenance projects, while ensuring environmental protection.

Our planning team can provide initial advice to determine whether an activity is suitable for assessment via an REF. We also offer guidance on alternative planning pathways available to public authorities, including exempt and complying development.

If you are seeking specialised planning advice for public authorities, please reach out to our planning team.