The desire of the NSW Government to improve the supply of new homes to tackle the housing and affordability crisis in NSW, combined with the review of Infrastructure Contributions, creates a window of opportunity to improve the alignment of enabling infrastructure delivery with planning, to improve the supply and affordability of new homes.

UDIA supports the strategic directions contained in the State Infrastructure Strategy including

• Better coordination of infrastructure, land use and service planning to meet housing, employment, industry and community needs.
• Increase private sector participation in the delivery of government-led precincts.
• Regularly update planning regulation and land use controls to reflect current circumstances.

By achieving these outcomes, UDIA believes that the right place, right time infrastructure will be delivered more efficiently, to address the NSW housing crisis and provide housing and jobs where they are needed most.

“Investing in the right infrastructure is critical for addressing housing affordability and providing people with the new homes we need,” said Steve Mann, CEO UDIA NSW.

The importance of enabling infrastructure is highlighted in UDIA NSW Building Blocks for Greater Western Sydney 2021 report, which identified the nine catalytic infrastructure projects with an average cost of under $100 million (some as low as $30 million) to support over 60,000 dwellings in Greater Western Sydney, which will create 40,000 construction jobs and deliver $17 billion in economic activity in NSW over the next 3 to 5 years.

UDIA recommends implementing an Urban Development Program with Empowered UDP Committees for each region by bringing together key delivery agencies and the industry to prioritise and better coordinate infrastructure. The use of data and digital tools, can also lead to better coordination and the right infrastructure at the right time and in the right place.

“We need to ensure every infrastructure dollar gets to the right project as soon as possible and with integrated local and State works, to ensure there is no missing piece to inhibit growth and the creation of great places,” said Mr Mann.

The NSW Government should accept all the recommendations in the State Infrastructure Strategy that will support housing supply. As well as delivering new homes, this approach will also improve productivity and deliver economic growth and jobs. We look forward to working with government to deliver the right infrastructure projects at the right time,” added Mr. Mann.

Media Enquiries:
Deanna Lane 0416 295 898 or dlane@udiansw.com.au.