Today, the NSW Premier made an announcement that has the potential to unlock thousands of new homes by creating a state-led approval pathway for major residential housing projects and rezonings which will be welcomed by industry.
UDIA has long called for a specific authority to manage complex re-zonings and planning approvals which can unlock new homes at scale. We are in the middle of a housing crisis, where many housing projects are not economically viable so it’s vital that where projects stack up, we move them from concept to keys in a door as quickly as possible,” said Stuart Ayres, CEO, UDIA NSW.
UDIA supports the plan to expand the new SSD pathway which will be available for new housing projects above an estimated development cost of $60m in Greater Sydney or $30 million in Regional NSW.
“Today’s announcement of a Housing Delivery Authority has the potential to support a challenging housing delivery market by fast-tracking projects which can unlock housing quickly and get people in homes sooner,“ said Stuart Ayres.
Housing delivery is currently too complicated, creating an agile team like the one announced today, that can make zoning and planning decisions quickly, will unlock opportunities for housing in all areas of Sydney across the apartment and greenfield housing markets.
“Ensuring projects aren’t stuck in the planning system and consensus can be reached across agencies, has been a critical issue in housing development. The creation of the Housing Delivery Authority will provide greater certainty to our industry and a clearer pathway in addressing our housing crisis. We are also pleased to hear the Authority will be given new resources to support its
important work,” said Stuart Ayres.
As well as ensuing there are clear and simple guidelines for how landholders can apply for a rezoning, UDIA encourages the Government to support the new Housing Delivery Authority with a practical Works in Kind framework to allow
developers to build the community creating infrastructure needed to unlock new homes, so this new process is not undermined by a lack of critical infrastructure.
The Premier knows we need more homes built and keys in doors and this new Authority is a clear step in the right direction.
“Today the Premier has drawn a real line in the sand on housing delivery and our industry looks forward working with the NSW government as the details of this reform are finalised,” said Mr Ayres.
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Media Enquiries: Deanna Lane, Director of Media & Communications
UDIA NSW and National dlane@udiansw.com.au 0416 295 898