The NSW Government today announced it will make available a share of up to $73 million for 44 councils across NSW that have improved development assessment timeframes, helping fund the roads, parks, open spaces, and community facilities needed to support growing communities.
Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the news built on last week’s announcement on the NSW Planning Practice Program, which will provide fully funded training for up to 950 council development assessment officers across NSW.
“Planning reform is important, but it has to be backed by practical support for the people responsible for making the system work every day,” Ms Stevenson said.
“You can’t deliver more homes without improving the planning system, and you can’t improve the planning system without investing in the planners and councils tasked with delivering outcomes on the ground.
“The commitment to support and upskill council planners and provide incentives for better-performing councils recognises that housing delivery depends on both capability and performance.”
Ms Stevenson said the Property Council had consistently called for measures that improve assessment efficiency while maintaining confidence in planning decisions.
“Strengthening planning capability, supporting timely assessments and recognising strong council performance all help create a more predictable planning system. That means greater certainty for communities, councils and industry, and ultimately supports the delivery of more homes where they are needed.”
Ms Stevenson said it was also important that housing growth be matched with investment in local infrastructure.
“Growing communities need more than homes. They need parks, open space, local roads and community facilities that help make neighbourhoods great places to live. Backing councils to improve assessment performance while investing in that infrastructure is a practical approach that benefits both existing and future residents.
“The Property Council will continue to work with the NSW Government and councils to support a faster, more efficient planning system that helps deliver the homes and infrastructure NSW needs,” she said.
