Abstract: To what extent do local planning frameworks promote sustainable growth and change in Australian cities and regions? This paper begins to address this question with reference to the results of an online survey of more than 100 NSW local environmental plans, undertaken between August 2007-2008. The data was collected as part of a broader, ongoing survey of Australian planning instruments (maintained by the Australian Urban Planning Policy Monitor; http://ppm.arch.usyd.edu.au ). Focusing on the single state jurisdiction of NSW to minimise differences arising from higher level state planning policies and legislation, the paper discusses the ways in which local environmental plans address objectives relating to sustainable urban form and resource use, biodiversity conservation and enhancement, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The first part of the paper summarises the range of planning approaches for achieving sustainable urban form, resource use, biodiversity conservation, as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation, drawing on the extensive research and literature on sustainable planning practice. The second part of the paper reviews the extent to which such approaches are applied in NSW plans, and highlights differences between their urban and regional application in the context of higher level state, metropolitan or regional planning policy and local planning provisions. Broader implications for sustainable planning practice are identified in conclusion