Chris Minns waives DAs for security upgrades of synagogues, churches, mosques

After a series of anti-Semitic attacks, the Minns government is changing planning laws to allow synagogues, churches and mosques to upgrade security.

Synagogues, mosques and churches can install bollards, fences and other structures to bolster security without approval under state government changes to planning laws.

The move follows the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne and increasing anti-Semitic attacks near Jewish communities in Sydney.

While there is an increased police presence around Jewish sites in wake of the attacks, Premier Chris Minns said the planning changes would ensure security upgrades could occur without delay.

Under the changes, places of public worship wanting to undertake a security upgrade will be given an exempt planning pathway, allowing for the development application (DA) process to be bypassed.

The Places of Worship 2024 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) amendment will apply to not only synagogues, but churches and mosques.

Jewish communities around Australia have been on high alert since the firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue two weeks ago. Pictures: Supplied

The upgrades that will be able to occur without a DA will include the installation of bollards, fencing, lighting, security cameras, safety glass and reinforced doors.

Major works of any kind will still require planning approval.

Premier Chris Minns after the anti-Semitic vandalism of property in Woollahra. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The amendment is designed to allow more than 3900 churches, 167 mosques and 25 synagogues to begin upgrading security without waiting months for a green light.

The changes are in addition to reforms being proposed by the government that would regulate protests outside religious institutions and places of worship that aim to intimidate or prevent religious people from practising their faith.

Mr Minns said everyone in NSW should be able to worship “without fear”.

“Everyone should be able to visit a place of worship free from intimidation. These changes will make that possible,” he said.

“This decision follows several recent incidents of vandalism and arson against religious buildings in the state, highlighting the urgent need for heightened security.

“Sadly, these steps are necessary to enable security upgrades to public places of worship, without the need for planning approval, so that all of our people can attend their chosen place of worship freely and safely.”

Since the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023, there has been a dramatic increase in anti-Semitic attacks locally, with cars and fences recently graffitied with anti-Israel slogans in Sydney’s east, home to one of Australia’s largest Jewish communities.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the changes were also about sending a message to religious communities that the government supported the right to worship.

“All community and religious groups have the right to feel safe and these planning measures will speed up the process to help protect all places of worship from those who seek to damage them,” he said.

“These security measures also deter people who commit the kind of divisive acts the community has experienced.

“It is about sending a clear message to our religious communities the government supports your rights to practice your beliefs while making it safer for all of us to enjoy our unique places of worship.”

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