The NSW Government says planning processes and development applications will be fast-tracked to support the construction sector.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes says assessments of state significant developments, rezoning and development applications will be accelerated in a bid to maintain jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are fast-tracking assessments to keep people in jobs, boost the construction pipeline and keep our economy moving,” Mr Stokes said in a statement.

“Our economic recovery will in many ways be longer and harder than the health one and it's essential we do everything we can now to keep our state moving forward and allow work to continue wherever possible in line with the best medical advice.”

The designation of ‘state significant development’ is granted to projects on the basis of their size, economic value or potential impact.

Schools, hospitals, correctional centres, mining and extraction operations, waste management and energy generating facilities are typically considered to have state significance.

The NSW Government also says it will support councils and planning panels to fast-track local and regionally-significant development applications.

Extra acting commissioners will be put on to help clear a backlog of cases in the NSW Land and Environment Court, while $70 million will be invested in new infrastructure in north-west Sydney including roads, drainage and parks.

These works are designed to make way for the construction of thousands of new homes.

Mr Stokes said he is open to more changes in the planning system following the COVID-19 crisis.

“This will pass and when it does, the planning system will be ready to continue driving economic productivity across the state,” he said.