Minister Roberts must drive housing supply
GUEST OBSERVER
Premier Berejiklian’s new ministry must drive housing supply and ensure NSW retains its position as Australia’s leading state.
The new ministry announced by NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian is an very talented and competent team, capable of ensuring the continued success of the high-performing NSW economy.
In particular, the appointment of the Hon. Anthony Roberts as Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing is an excellent choice. His past achievements and experience, including overhauling the ageing NSW strata system, make him very well placed to improve the lack- lustre performance of the NSW planning system.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with Minister Roberts on ways to drive more housing completions throughout NSW and in particular in the Sydney metropolitan area. We believe there are many aspects of the NSW planning system and the Draft District Plans for Sydney which prevent greatly hinder the supply of new housing. Given the current housing affordability crisis, changes must be made to address this problem.
Minister Roberts should look at restrictive land use zones and development controls that prevent adequate housing supply and onerous conditions of consent which lead to only 58 per cent of housing approvals become real houses or apartments.
Other key issues include lengthy bureaucratic approval processes which create delays and blockages in the planning system and excessive levies and fees which drive up the cost of housing.
The Urban Taskforce and the property industry is keen to work collaboratively with the new Minister for Planning and Housing to help alleviate the housing affordability crisis and deliver positive outcomes for the people of NSW.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted here.
