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The Property Council has called on the NSW government to take a bolder approach to solving the housing affordability problem in the state, particularly Sydney.
Property Council of Australia NSW executive director Jane Fitzgerald says the state government’s proposed changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to address the issue do not go far enough.
“The NSW system needs radical surgery, not a nip and a tuck,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Currently, it’s the worst system in the country and while the package of proposals will certainly improve it, it’s a shame the Minister [for Planning Rob Stokes] hasn’t been a little bolder in the reforms he has outlined.”
Ms Fitzgerald said the reforms could include more fast tracking of development proposals that comply with pre-set criteria (code assessable development). This would reduce red tape and costs in the system.
Ms Fitzgerald also said other states incorporate more code assessment for more types of development and NSW should be leading, not following, in this regard.
“In NSW, we simply need more homes built more quickly because home ownership is becoming elusive for a whole generation,” she said.
“The property industry needs clarity and certainty on who makes planning decisions so homes can be built more quickly without the cost of delays adding to the final price of a home.”
According to the Greater Sydney Commission, Sydney needs an extra 725,000 homes over the next 20 years to satisfy its accelerating demand for housing.
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