Irresponsible supermarket operators would face on-the-spot fines for failing to collect abandoned shopping trolleys from public places under sweeping reforms to NSW's impounding laws.

The overhaul of the Impounding Act would see owners of shopping trolleys, unregistered cars and trailers and stray stock face harsh penalties if they do not remove them from public places within risk-based timeframes.

Abandoned items such as shopping trolleys and unregistered vehicles are not only a safety hazard and nuisance but a blight on streets, footpaths, nature strips and other public places across the state.

These new laws resolve key concerns our communities have been raising for years and years.

We are now putting the obligations firmly on property owners and others responsible for items left in public places to do the right thing and remove them within risk-based timeframes or face harsher penalties, more rapid impounding action and enforcement orders.

In particular, abandoned shopping trolleys have continued to be a real concern to the community over time and it is clear that regulatory change is necessary.

We recognise that supermarket operators are already implementing voluntary options such as trolley trackers, trolley collections, and coin deposit schemes and these measures are making a difference.

It costs the NSW community $17 million a year to deal with abandoned and unattended shopping trolleys, vehicles and animals in public places. These reforms will cut these costs by 60 per cent saving at least $9.7 million a year for councils, other public land managers and the community.

HOME DESIGN TO DRIVE ENERGY BILLS DOWN

New sustainability standards for homes will save residents up to $980 a year on energy bills and reduce the State's carbon footprint as we move to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a key assessment tool that ensures new homes are comfortable to live in regardless of the temperature, are more energy efficient and save water.

These proposed increases in standards will see more energy-efficient homes from Bathurst and beyond, with better design, better insulation, more sunlight and more solar panels.

Better design will keep your home naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter, so you won't be turning the heater or air conditioner on as often.

Energy bills are expected to reduce significantly as a result of the new BASIX standards, including savings of up to $980 a year for people living in new houses in the regions.

The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed BASIX changes by Monday 31 January, 2022 at https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/BASIX-standards