The NSW Minns Labor Government has announced the success of its Housing Taskforce, a pilot program established in September 2024 to streamline the approval process for housing developments
Published: 14 November 2024
Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Addressing Bottlenecks in the Planning Process:
The Taskforce addresses delays that occur after development applications (DAs) are approved, focusing on the often complex and time-consuming post-consent requirements. These delays frequently arise from conflicts and information requests between different government agencies involved in assessing environmental impacts (traffic, bushfire risk, biodiversity, water, heritage).
Taskforce Achievements:
The Taskforce brings together staff from various NSW government agencies to work collaboratively, resolving issues and expediting approvals. Success stories include:
Resolving an 865-day delay for a housing development in Greater Newcastle by working with Heritage NSW.
Securing approval from Sydney Metro within a week to allow construction of a Sydney CBD residential building.
Issuing an approval within one day for a large Upper Hunter housing development, efficiently resolving heritage concerns.
These efforts demonstrate the Taskforce’s success in streamlining the post-determination approval process, allowing projects to progress from approval to construction more quickly.
Expansion and Future Plans:
Following the pilot’s success, the NSW Government is making the Housing Taskforce a permanent part of the state’s planning system. The initiative aims to improve efficiency at all stages of the planning process – pre-lodgement, assessment, and post-consent – to ensure the timely delivery of housing and jobs.
Minister’s Statement:
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, highlighted the Taskforce’s positive impact on reducing bureaucratic delays and accelerating home construction. He emphasized the streamlined approach, aiming for efficient coordination between government agencies, resulting in faster project approvals and ultimately more homes built with minimal disruption.