UDIA cautiously welcomes the release of the NSW Government’s response to the independent review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Government’s stated intention to work with stakeholders to address the problems with the current biodiversity system.
“We need to both improve regional scale biodiversity outcomes, while also allowing industry to move more quickly and build the houses we need to solve the housing supply crisis,” said UDIA NSW CEO Stuart Ayres.
UDIA calls on the NSW Government to carefully consider changes to the system in the context of meeting the dual challenges of delivering strong biodiversity outcomes while ensuring NSW delivers its commitment to build 377,000 new homes over five years, which is our state’s share of the National Accord target.
UDIA has been working with NSW Government to address our concerns that the current biodiversity system does not meet its purpose of maintaining a healthy, productive and resilient environment, but that it also adds too much uncertainty and delay to delivering new development.
Biodiversity protection is important both for the liveability of our urban areas today as well as for future generations, however according to UDIA research, about half of new housing lots in the growth areas of the Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra are already held up due to the complexity and uncertainty built into the current Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The NSW Government has flagged its intention to introduce reform legislation later this year, and UDIA is recommending ways to improve the system, so it is more practical and functional in promoting the highest and best use of a parcel of land, so that new housing and the environment can effectively co-exist.
“If we don’t resolve these land use issues strategically, there are economic and social consequences for our communities. The development industry is part of the solution, and we will keep working with the NSW Government to find the right answers,” said Stuart Ayres.
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Media Enquiries: Deanna Lane Director of Media & Communications,
0416 295 898 dlane@udiansw.com.au