Major Projects and Planning Approvals
About Major Projects Planning and Approvals
Agricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs) are a core requirement for many major development proposals in New South Wales, particularly those assessed as State Significant Development (SSD) or State Significant Infrastructure (SSI). These assessments evaluate how proposed activities may affect agricultural land, land use, and productivity, and are used to inform planning decisions and guide project design.
Tucker Environmental has prepared AIAs for a wide range of projects across NSW, including renewable energy developments, infrastructure upgrades, and resource proposals. We work closely with environmental planners and technical consultants to ensure agricultural considerations are effectively integrated into Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and related approvals documentation.
Our assessments are tailored to the scale and potential impact of each project. Whether a desktop review or a more detailed site-based study is required, we deliver clear, evidence-based reporting that meets the expectations of regulators and supports the timely progression of development applications.
Completing an Agricultural Impact Assessment
We work with project proponents to review their project scope, location, and planning context to determine the level of assessment required under NSW Government guidelines. This might range from a basic appraisal of land use and soil capability to a more detailed analysis involving site assessment, site geospatial data collection and agricultural productivity estimates in consultation with landholders to understand their enterprise and production systems.
Our approach is tailored for our clients and our independent analysis is designed and documented to meet NSW planning requirements, often integrated within broader EIS submissions.
Tucker Environmental also supports clients throughout the approvals process, responding to agency feedback, updating assessments with design improvements as needed whilst ensuring that agricultural impacts are addressed, and mitigations are practical and aligned with current policy and land use priorities.