Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today encouraged the community to have its say on the future of the NSW planning system.

The NSW Planning System Review has been established by the NSW Liberal Government as part of its commitment to re-write the State's outdated, unpopular and overly complex planning legislation.

As part of the review, feedback is being sought from local communities on a range of areas including the development assessment process, plan making, appeals and compliance.

"This is an important opportunity for everyone to have their say on the future of our State's planning system," Rob Stokes said today.

"Over recent years our community has been forced to fight against a number of appalling planning proposals because of the failure by the former government to recognise the mess it was creating.

"The State's planning system was allowed to become so complex, controversial and confusing that it's necessary we start afresh.

"The government is working with a blank canvass – so community feedback and ideas are essential.

"Unlike previous changes to the Planning Act done behind closed doors – community consultation is the central focus of this review.

"Pittwater carries the scares of inappropriate development under bad planning laws including the old SEPP Affordable Rental Housing and SEPP Seniors Living - so it's important people have their say to help protect our community in the future.

"It's clear our community wants a simpler and more locally based planning system and this review is all about making this a reality.

"An issues paper has been developed for the review and is open to submissions until 17 February 2012.

"Copies of the issues paper and further information about the review is available by visiting www.planningreview.nsw.gov.au .

"I encourage everyone to get involved in this important review and ensure their voices are heard," Rob Stokes concluded.