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HIA Planning Blueprint Scorecard
A key initiative to support delivery of this ambition was the adoption of a 10-point National Planning Reform Blueprint, aimed at modernising Australia’s fragmented and often inefficient planning systems.
The National Planning Reform Blueprint key reform measures included:
- Updating state, regional, and local strategic plans to reflect housing supply targets.
- Promoting medium and high-density housing in well-located areas close to existing public transport connections, amenities and employment.
- Streamlining approval pathways.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is broadly supportive of National Cabinet’s 10 point National Planning Reform Blueprint and keen to work with governments to see the key planning reform measures needed implemented to aid achievement of the government's ambitious housing goal.
To assess progress against this reform agenda, HIA released the HIA Planning Blueprint Scorecard in August 2024. The Scorecard reviewed each state and territory, scoring jurisdictions out of five based on their implementation of key elements of the National Planning Reform Blueprint and other strategies intended to increase housing supply.
The initial report revealed a significant disconnect between planning policy settings and on-the-ground housing delivery. Many jurisdictions continue to adopt a “business-as-usual” approach to planning, despite the increasing visible social and economic consequences of a chronic undersupply of housing.
Key measures to build 1.2 million homes
Cut red tape
Higher density housing
More shovel ready land to market
Faster decisions
Housing Accord targets 2024 - 2029
A breakdown of each state's contribution to the national housing goals
Building 1.2 million homes will require a significant uptick in new housing. Each state and territory must initiate planning, zoning, land release and density reforms to deliver their share. Here's what each state's share of housing is as a proportion of the Accord target.
HIA Planning Blueprint Scorecard 2026
How each state measures up
We have developed the HIA Planning Blueprint Scorecard as an in-depth and strategic assessment of the metropolitan and housing strategies of each state and territory. The updated Scorecard provides an overview of key reforms and initiatives relating to housing in each region as well as further improvements needed to improve planning systems. Each region received an aggregate score out of 5 which indicates its ability to accelerate housing delivery and achieve the Accord's mission. HIA's aim is to review this score on an annual basis to track progress delivery across the nation.
New South Wales
While the NSW Government is taking steps to address state-wide housing shortages, the planning system continues to fail at the delivery level.
- Several reforms to improve approval timeframes – expanding complying development, creating a pattern book of pre-endorsed designs and establishing a Housing Delivery Authority for major projects.
- Cutting red tape – Establishing a Development Coordination Authority as a single point of contact with various authorities and reforms to enable model state-wide conditions.
- Increasing density – Substantial rezonings to permit greater density near transport hubs.
Future focus:
Following positive reforms for infill development, the NSW Government is urged to focus on key barriers in the greenfield land market with the aim of maintaining a steady pipeline of shovel ready land.
They should also look to resolve the environmental restrictions currently stalling development and adding significantly to the cost of new houses.
Annual housing completions in NSW remain significantly below the Housing Accord target (32,782 home shortfall). This outcome is likely to persist until planning reforms result in a balanced housing strategy which encourages both greenfield and infill development.
Updated score – 2 / 5 (improved)
Previous score – 1.5 / 5
Several of HIA’s prior recommendations have been implemented including the expansion of complying development and the establishment of a coordination authority.
Victoria
Victoria is noted as “gaining momentum” on planning reform in HIA’s Scorecard. There has been some early positive feedback on reforms to streamline townhouses and small subdivisions. Positive reforms have also occurred through the Development Facilitation Program and reforms to reduce the need for planning permits for single dwellings.
Future focus:
While there have been some positive reforms to the planning framework and further amendments proposed, the overall commercial viability of new homes remains at risk through the introduction of further taxes relating to affordable housing and the Suburban Rail Loop.
Updated score – 2.5 / 5 (improved)
Previous score – 2 / 5
Queensland
Queensland has tied for lowest overall score on HIA’s Planning Blueprint Scorecard again in 2026. The QLD Government has recently rejected key planning reforms recommended by the re-established Queensland Productivity Commission that would increase housing supply and streamline procedures, citing local government opposition as the primary barrier to progress.
Future focus:
There are significant opportunities for planning reforms in Queensland which would improve the delivery of housing such as:
- Introducing greater consistency in the planning framework via state-wide planning requirements for design, approval processes and overlays.
- A state-wide DA portal for lodgements and tracking.
- The planning system currently in QLD involves a patchwork of inconsistent rules across 77 different local government areas and needs reform.
The Housing Accord target of nearly 50,000 new homes per annum in Queensland will remain elusive while the planning system continues to prevent the delivery of well-located homes.
Updated score – 1.5 / 5 (no change)
Previous score - 1.5 / 5
Western Australia
Western Australia continues to have the equal best score on HIA’s Planning Blueprint Scorecard. WA Government has completed positive reforms that streamline housing by introducing more exemptions for single houses and expanding Development Assessment Panels. There has also been significant rezoning to ensure a future pipeline of shovel ready land.
Future focus:
Finalising amendments to the Residential Design Code (R-Codes) to streamline infill development should be the next priority for the WA Government as well as introducing a regularly updated land and housing supply dashboard.
Updated score – 3 / 5 (no change)
Previous score – 3 / 5
South Australia
South Australia continues to have the equal best overall score on HIA’s Planning Blueprint Scorecard.South Australia is demonstrating a powerful commitment to supply through its "Housing Roadmap," which aims to deliver homes up to 18 months faster. The state is leveraging a modernised, digital-first planning system to drive these efficiencies - executing the state's largest-ever land release program to provide a solid foundation for new supply.
Future focus:
To maintain momentum, South Australia must finalise the Housing Roadmap and ensure infrastructure contribution frameworks do not unfairly burden new homebuyers. Priorities include extending the "accepted development" model for detached homes to more zones and amending the scope for private planning consultants to make decisions which would reduce local government resourcing constraints. Strategic attention is also needed to ensure new design standards (e.g., increased garage widths) and environmental provisions (e.g., tree requirements) do not create unintended cost barriers.
Updated score – 3 / 5 (no change)
Previous score – 3 / 5
Tasmania
Tasmania’s planning system is currently rated as "mediocre," lacking a strategic focus on residential land and well-located high-density housing. The government has announced several reforms to tackle structural barriers and "de-politicise" the process including Development Assessment Panels and introducing ‘deemed approval’ rules for applications where timeframes are missed.
Future focus:
Tasmania must urgently address the "delayed and maligned" PlanBuild Tasmania portal to enable statewide online tracking. There is a critical need for a targeted medium-density residential code and the adoption of "Improving Residential Standards" to allow for increased building heights and reduced parking requirements.
Updated Score – 2 / 5 (no change)
Previous Score – 2 / 5
The score remains low as the state struggles with implementation delays and a lack of focus on the residential land pipeline, despite the proposed introduction of expert panels.
Australian Capital Territory
While the government has set an ambitious target of 30,000 new homes by 2030, necessary planning reforms to unlock these opportunities and streamline assessments have yet to materialise.
The current focus is centred on the "Missing Middle" to increase supply in existing suburbs through infill development. This is welcomed and there is a positive trajectory to other proposals for rezonings.
Future focus:
To improve delivery, the ACT must ensure "Missing Middle" reforms are commercially viable by collaborating with the industry. This includes reviewing mandatory tree canopy requirements and the Urban Forest Act 2023, which currently act as standalone barriers rather than being part of a holistic assessment.
The government should also prioritize removing Lease Variation Charges for all residential projects during the housing shortage.
Updated score – 2.5 / 5 (no change)
Previous score – 2.5 / 5
The score remains low as the pace of land release continues to fall below the levels required to meet demand, offsetting the positive sentiment toward infill reforms.
Northern Territory
Northern Territory is still in need of substantial planning reforms. While amendments to increase housing diversity in Low Density Residential areas have been proposed, it is unclear if this will translate into sufficient new homes.
Future focus:
Prioritise a land development strategy that adequately identifies future land supply and population needs for the next 20 years with a supporting trunk infrastructure plan.
Updated score – 1.5 / 5 (no change)
Previous score – 1.5 / 5
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