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The NSW government will devote $5.6 million on artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its Faster Planning Program to make planning systems more efficient – a move that’s been applauded by the Property Council of Australia.
David White, the council’s regional director, said it was welcome news given the capabilities that are emerging from the tech sector and the issues still causing delays in getting building projects off the ground.
“AI can improve the planning process by allowing more attention on the key issues affecting a site’s development potential without the exhaustive review of all assessment issues which sometimes sees projects trapped in the quagmire of the NSW planning system,” Mr White said.
He opined that the capabilities of AI to enhance the construction, real estate and planning sectors have not yet been fully assessed, with the tech still only deployed in limited scenarios.
“It remains unknown where AI will be used most in the planning, design and delivery process.”
“We therefore believe that this NSW government investment in AI will help our troubled NSW planning system deliver quicker assessment and approval time frames for proposed development,” Mr White said.
He commented that the council is committed to empowering the industry with the latest tools, and will attempt to assist the government in using tech to create efficiencies in the planning process.
“The Property Council will continue to work with the department to explore how we can improve the planning system by using AI to look at the key issues with each site, as well as help to deliver more efficient design outcomes and overall reduced time frames for planning assessments.”
A $38.7 million program, NSW’s Faster Planning Program will also dedicate $24 million to creating the NSW Building Commission to focus on ensuring buildings are of high standard, and protect home buyers from substandard buildings.
The state government has also apportioned $9.1 million to assess housing supply opportunities across government-owned sites, including for new social housing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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