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Flying Squad formation couldn’t have arrived at a better time

At a time when developers, tradespeople and homeowners on the Central Coast have been frustrated by the delays in Development Approvals and Construction Certificates, the announcement by Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts of a Regional Housing Flying Squad to help regional councils clear development approvals faster, couldn’t have come at a better time according to Caine King, Chapter Chair of UDIA Central Coast.

UDIA reveals direct connection between delays in planning approvals and house prices

The NSW Government’s Productivity Commissioners review into the NSW Planning System in 2021, showed that NSW is the slowest planning system in Australia. With the major reforms in Victoria’s planning system aimed at speeding up building approvals and cutting red tape being announcing today, NSW will be falling further behind.

UDIA NSW research shows that delays in planning approvals are resulting in increased holding costs, which are closely tied to the planning process, especially with rezoning, approval timeframes and the coordinated delivery of utilities.

Housing crisis in the regions needs whole of government response

It is no surprise that there is a housing supply and affordability crisis in the regions and UDIA NSW welcomes the Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, Anthony Roberts’ comment in Parliament yesterday, acknowledging that “regional housing is a priority for this Government”.

However, it is the extent of the supply shortage that is severe, with the price of houses in regional NSW having jumped by over a third in the last year, and with some markets experiencing price growth of over 50%. The pace of development is not keeping up with demand, leading to a critical shortage of housing extending throughout the regions.

NSW Planning System has a need… the need for speed to close the gap to housing demand

We are facing a deep housing supply and affordability crisis. The question is… how did we arrive at this situation?  Some of the answers can be found in research commissioned by both NSW Treasury and the National Housing Finance & Investment Corporation (NHFIC).

UDIA calls for removal of restrictions on construction hours beyond March deadline

Today’s announcement by Treasurer Mat Kean and Minister for Planning and Homes, Anthony Roberts follows on from the decision made in June last year to enable construction work to proceed on Saturdays from 7am to 5pm, except for the carrying out of rock breaking, rock hammering, sheet piling, pile driving or similar activities.  

Why can’t I live in Kiama? Homebuyers despair at lack of housing in the region.

Lack of supply, skyrocketing house prices and overly complex planning system have prevented many from realising the Australian dream of home ownership. But according to the Chairs of both The UDIA Illawarra and Shoalhaven Chapters, to understand what has led to this escalating situation, you have to look at a number of facts.