THE Perrottet government is fast-tracking the assessment of three planning proposals to unlock around 19,000 new much needed homes, including affordable housing. “Nothing about the assessment process changes including the important need for community consultation,” said Anthony Roberts, minister for planning and homes.
The Department of Planning and Environment will undertake the assessment of these proposals, which are all located in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area, so councils don’t need to. However, it will be required to work closely with councils and other agencies to resolve any potential issues.” The process will also secure the protection and implementation of crucial koala population areas in Appin, Gilead and North Appin.
The proposals include a 1,284-hectare Walker Corporation site for around 12,900 new homes, including affordable housing. In addition to an Ingham Property Group site spanning 300-hectares to support up to 3,000 homes and secure a koala corridor along Ousedale Creek. And finally, a 876-hectare Lendlease site for up to 3,300 new homes, a school, public open space and environmental conservation land. Including land dedicated to several koala corridors, implementing advice from the NSW Chief Scientist.
The announcement has so far been welcomed by industry leaders, including Urban Taskforce CEO, Tom Forrest, who noted such developments often exceed council boundaries. “These large projects often cross Council borders. Their impact is felt far beyond Council boundaries. Councils are ill-equipped to deal with the multitude of regulatory authorities and agencies that have a say on these types of development projects."
However, this doesn’t address skilled labour shortages and supply chain disruptions leading to delays and pipeline limitations and lower dwelling stock.
The UDIA also supported the government’s move, adding that rezonings alone can take up to 10 years to deliver without such intervention. “It’s good to see DPE take a lead on these three proposals, but with the housing crisis gripping NSW, housing supply is crucial for the people of NSW who are ready to get out of the rental trap and we need to ensure that the rezonings can turn into development ready land in the shortest possible timeframe,” said Steve Mann, CEO at UDIA, NSW.