Commencing in 2025 new housing developments above an estimated $60 million (around 100 or more homes) in Greater Sydney and $30 million (around 40 or more homes) in regional NSW will be able to apply for development approval directly from the Minister via the new Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) which will also be able to approve spot rezonings.
Earlier this week the Premier highlighted how complex the NSW Planning system is, calling it a ‘game of snakes-and-ladders’ and vowed to make a sweeping overhaul of the planning system.
‘Today’s announcement is a welcomed signal that the Premier is prepared to shift more approvals away from slow local councils and to by-pass some of the red tape stopping us getting shovels in the ground to build new homes” said Brad Armitage, HIA Acting Executive Director NSW.
We support the Premier’s announcement and the need to reform our complex planning system.
Earlier this year HIA released a planning scorecard, and NSW rated just 1.5/5 signalling the most underperforming planning system in the country.
Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but more can be done to remove the blockages that stop families getting into a home including; detached homes and low and mid-rise developments.
Builders are ready to build more duplexes and low to mid-rise homes for the families who are asking for them right now. A good way to achieve this is to streamline approval pathways for medium density stock through Complying Development.
For projects impacted by today’s announcement, they will be selected via an expressions of interest process with established criteria which is yet to be determined.
Mr Armitage commented that “as always, the devil is in the detail and HIA looks forward to working with the NSW Government to make sure the HDA has the biggest possible impact, whilst we continue to advocate for more fast track housing approvals and less red tape.”
For further information please contact:
Brad Armitage, Acting Executive Director NSW – 0406 397 181
Jemima Accadia, Executive Officer – 02 9978 3385
Referenced: Housing Industry Association Limited
