Inquiry into environmental laws could see ‘less red tape’
Focus on compliance and delays in building approvals likely to start the path to faster housing construction.
A Queensland Productivity Commission inquiry into federal environmental laws could have significant ramifications for the housing sector.
The inquiry is set to focus on compliance costs, approval delays and economic impacts with a focus on bilateral agreements which are essential to streamlining processes.
Michael Roberts, the Housing Industry Association’s executive director for Queensland, said the HIA has consistently raised concerns about the increasing regulatory burden associated with poorly coordinated federal, state and local approval systems.
“And the way duplicated environmental assessment processes are slowing the release of land for housing and driving up costs,” Roberts said.
“Queensland cannot address its housing shortage without meaningful reform to the way approvals are coordinated across governments.
“Housing is essential economic and social infrastructure and it must be treated with the same urgency and priority as other major projects.
“We are particularly encouraged that the inquiry will examine how regulatory changes are impacting productivity, land value and investment confidence, as these factors go directly to the industry’s ability to deliver more homes faster.
Roberts said the inquiry presents an opportunity to strike a better balance between environmental outcomes and housing supply, without tying up builders, developers and landowners in unnecessary red tape.
“HIA stands ready to work constructively with the Queensland Productivity Commission and government to help identify practical reforms that reduce duplication, improve productivity and support the delivery of the new homes many desperately require,” Roberts added.
