Steve Barr
Director, Barr Planning
Personal Biography
I have been involved in the NSW Development industry for 30 years, supporting land development in the regional areas. Being based in the Hunter Region, this has provided exposure to the wide range of issues that are impacting land development that is unique to the regional areas. These matters concern both the demand side in terms of delivery land to meet population growth but also supply side constraints that are making the delivery of land more complex.
My involvement in UDIA has spanned much of this time, having been deeply engaged in the Hunter Committee for many years, including being a past Chair of the committee at a time that led to the introduction of staff to support the Regional Committees which has led to a growing and strong UDIA in the Regions.
I have ongoing Board and committee experience, including currently sitting on the DANTIA board, which is the economic development arm of Lake Macquarie Council and continuing to be involved in the UDIA Hunter Committee.
Support Statement
As a business owner, surveyor and town planner based in a regional area as well as having clients and an office in Sydney, I have a unique opportunity to understand the challenges faced in delivering land development, particularly in regional areas.
As a long term member of UDIA who has been actively involved for more than 2 decades I have seen the changes our industry has had to face and appreciate the challenges in front of land developers to see the delivery of housing in all its forms moving forward.
Without a strong greenfield development pipeline we have little chance of meeting the housing targets, particularly in regional areas where traditionally green filed development has delivered most of the housing to support the growing population in these areas.
With the UDIA Committee committed to understanding and supporting regional areas, my experience and enthusiasm in the regions will provide an important perspective.