This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Property Council of Australia has welcomed new draft planning legislation unveiled yesterday by the New South Wales Government.
NSW executive director Ken Morrison said whilst the legislation needs will need some modifications to deliver the outcomes the Government wants – the legislation will result in a better, faster and smarter planning system.
Morrison the key issues of concern for the industry in the draft legislation were the overly limited jurisdiction of the Joint Regional Planning Panels where residential, retail and commercial projects will need to be over $50 million in value before they can be assessed by the JRPP.
Another concern is the proposed extension of third party review rights without adequate legislative constraints.
Morrison also said there is a lack of progress in driving efficiencies in the performance of state government agencies, a key source of delays.
Morrison said the Property Council will now prepare its submission on the draft Bill to put to the Government, Opposition and other members of Parliament.
“This is clearly a big step forward which will go a long way to addressing the frustration and delays in the current system.
“The draft Bill contains important key reforms: depoliticising decision making through planning panels, streamlining assessment of small-scale projects, less complex process for plan changes, and strengthening the private certification system.
“We are pleased that the Government has kept its determination to stop development levies being abused by councils. It will now be absolutely explicit what community infrastructure can and cannot be charged to home buyers. This is an important affordability measure,” Morrison concluded.
Australian Property Journal
