This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE property industry has welcomed the New South Wales Government's announcement to establish a Metropolitan Development Authority.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW said the MDA along with the government’s Metro Transport Plan is critical to Sydney’s Future.
UDIA NSW chief executive Stephen Albin said the government has suffered from a lack of focus when it comes to housing supply in Sydney.
And he hopes the new Authority, if managed effectively, should assist in bridging the gap between the Governments policies and new housing.
“We will need a lot more detail on how the Authority will operate and the kind of powers it will have but the initial indications are positive.
“What we don’t want is for the Authority to be abandoned in a cost-cutting drive down the track, like the Growth Centres Commission. If the government is committed to the Metropolitan Development Authority, let’s see it legislated and funded for the life of the Metro Strategy,” he added.
Albin said whilst it had supported the government’s Metro Strategy, he highlighted the lack of coordination and focus to deliver the outcomes.
“Sydney is facing some fundamental challenges in the near future with regard to population growth, housing, and transport. Challenges like strata reform will require strong leadership from both sides of parliament and a need to look beyond the short term election cycle.
“While railway lines and bus routes are important, the only way to improve Sydney’s transport is to link land use and transport planning. In this regard, the new Metropolitan Development Authority is critical,” he concluded.
Australian Property Journal
