Foundations for the future.
State Significant Development (SSD)
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Driving the Future of Our State
State Significant Developments (SSDs) are large-scale, high-impact projects that require approval from the NSW Department of Planning, not just local council.
These projects are complex but they also create major opportunities. At Deep River, we specialise in delivering the planning strategy, documentation, and project management needed to get SSDs assessed, approved, and under way.
From hospitals to education facilities, large residential precincts to energy and infrastructure developments, we help developers take on the state’s biggest challenges with clarity and confidence.
Our SSD Services
Deep River delivers a full suite of services to support State Significant Development projects across NSW:
- •Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
We manage the preparation of the full EIS including scoping reports, consultant coordination, and compliance with SEARs. - •Planning Strategy & Risk Assessment
Early advice on the best planning pathway, risk factors, and land use alignment — before major investment is made. - •Project Management
We handle the entire planning workflow, coordinating all subconsultants (traffic, heritage, ecology, social impact, etc.) and managing timelines and documentation. - •Agency & Stakeholder Liaison
We engage early with state agencies, local councils, and the community to smooth the path to approval. - •Response to Submissions & Modifications
We prepare high-quality RTS reports and manage post-lodgement changes or amendments if required.
What Is State Significant Development?
In NSW, a project may be classified as State Significant Development if it meets certain thresholds set out in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems SEPP). These include:
- •Capital investment value over a prescribed threshold (e.g. $30M+ for schools or hospitals)
- •Sensitive or complex land uses such as mining, waste facilities, ports, or tourist resorts
- •Strategic importance to the state economy or regional development
SSDs are assessed directly by the Department of Planning, and must be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), stakeholder consultation, and often public exhibition.
It’s not a process for beginners – but with the right team, it’s absolutely achievable.
Why Deep River?
- •SSD is our wheelhouse.
We’ve worked on some of the largest and most complex projects in the state and we know how the system works from the inside. - •We bring structure to complexity.
SSDs involve dozens of moving parts. We bring discipline, strategy, and structure to keep your project on track. - •We're commercially minded.
Our advice is always geared toward reducing delays, managing risk, and aligning with your project’s commercial goals. - •End-to-end delivery.
From preliminary advice to final determination, we stay with you the whole way.
We don’t walk away when it gets hard – we lean in.
Who We Work With
- •Large-scale developers and REITs
- •Institutional investors and asset managers
- •Education, health, and infrastructure proponents
- •Energy and resources companies
- •Government agencies and delivery partners
If your project is big enough to trigger SSD – we’re the partner that helps it succeed.
Serious Projects. Strategic Advice. Solid Delivery.
State Significant Development isn't just about paperwork, it’s about credibility. At Deep River, we help you put your best case forward with clarity, accuracy, and purpose. We work with projects of all sizes, and offer competitive pricing models tailored to each job.
Planning Something Big?
Contact Deep River today to speak with an SSD expert.