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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationBuilding Standards are not planning controls
Building Standards are not planning controls
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"The recent decision by the City of Sydney to ban the use of gas appliances in new development is just another example of council’s using planning controls to override nationally consistent building standards set by the National Construction Code.
As outlined in the HIA Getting Keys in Doors Report, building standards in Council DCPs and other policies or guidelines adds around $65 million each year to the cost of building new homes in NSW.
“These council controls restrict consumer choice, add costs and create regulatory complexities that undermine the benefits of a nationally consistent building code,” added Mr Armitage.
“Limits on the electricity load are being imposed on developers today, so suggestions that we just make all new buildings all electric are way off the mark. Gas must still be a crucial part of the energy mix as there simply isn’t the capacity in the existing electrical infrastructure to cope. Bans on gas appliances will only make the construction of new apartment buildings even more unfeasible and increase the cost of buying a new home.
"The NSW Government has a commitment under the ABCB Intergovernmental Agreement to reduce and restrict local government interventions. It’s time the NSW Government made good on its commitment.
“We are in the middle of a housing crisis, so councils should be removing unnecessary red tape to make it easier to build new homes – not harder,” concluded Mr Armitage.
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Agreement on Draft NCIF Blueprint an important step forward
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) took part in the National Construction Industry Forum (NCIF) today and it was encouraging that the Forum reached agreement on establishing a draft ‘Blueprint for the Future’ to drive long-term change in the industry,” said HIA Managing director, Jocelyn Martin.
Building Standards are not planning controls
“The proliferation of building standards in Council planning controls needs to stop now,” said Brad Armitage HIA Executive Director NSW.
Streamlined planning system to deliver more homes for Tasmanians
“It is pleasing to see that should the Tasmanian Liberal Government be re-elected it is committed to planning reform and streamlining approvals that can deliver tangible and improved planning outcomes to get Tasmanians in homes faster,” said HIA Executive Director Tasmania Stuart Collins.
IPART Review of Sydney Water Prices
In line with this, HIA notes that the Sydney Water Price Proposal 2025-30 (SW proposal), highlights the critical relationship between the provision of water related infrastructure and housing delivery, and has set its capital expenditure proposal accordingly.