NSW fast-tracks 6,400 homes – but red tape still a concern
New NSW government authority fast-tracks thousands of homes at its first meeting - but Property Council and Urban Taskforce Australia voice concern about ongoing delays.
THE NSW government’s newly established Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) has approved 6,400 new homes at its first meeting.
The authority, which was created to “drive the delivery of more homes faster” by streamlining approvals, assessed 28 proposals from more than 160 expressions of interest at its first meeting.
The selected projects are expected to commence construction within 12 months.
Planning Minister Paul Scully took a swipe at local government, saying the approvals were an early step in addressing NSW’s housing shortage.
“The Housing Delivery Authority not only encourages new housing proposals by asking for expressions of interest, but also allows existing proposals to receive fast-track consideration by being assessed by the state rather than the local council,” Mr Scully said.
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to unlock supply and make it easier for first-home buyers, essential workers and families to find a home.”
The announcement comes as a Productivity Commission report found that Australia is only building half as many homes per hour worked compared to 30 years ago.
The report cited complex planning regulations as a major factor slowing construction.
Some development applications take more than six months to process
Property Council of Australia chief executive Mike Zorbas welcomed the HDA’s efforts but said more reforms are needed.
“Planning red tape is still deadening our nation’s ability to build housing,” he said.
“We must go further in removing unnecessary barriers to development.”
For conveyancers, the key question is whether fast-tracked approvals will translate to quicker land releases and settlements.
Infrastructure delays, slow rezoning processes, and planning appeals can still cause setbacks.
Urban Taskforce Australia CEO Tom Forrest said the HDA was a positive step but warned of ongoing supply issues.
“If it takes another two years to get planning proposals through local councils and rezonings approved, this process won’t be fast enough to address the crisis,” he said.
The HDA’s ability to push through major projects could help ease supply constraints in the long term.
For now, conveyancers will still need to navigate the same regulatory hurdles that have long slowed transactions.
