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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationStronger measures needed to improve DA processing timeframes
Stronger measures needed to improve DA processing timeframes
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“The measures announced today by the NSW Government to hold local governments more accountable and reduce planning approval timeframes are welcomed, but more needs to be done” said David Bare, HIA Executive Director NSW.
“The timeframes published in the Government’s order are still too high and the period set for councils to achieve these timeframes is too long” added Mr Bare.
The average DA determination time listed in the Order of 85 days from 1 July 2027 is still more than double the 40 days (deemed refusal) specified for most DAs in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
“Stronger measures are needed to mandate shorter assessment timeframes now and reduce the excessive submission requirements, particularly for low impact developments. The use of complying development also needs to be expanded across the state to decrease the number of developments that need a DA and help reduce overall council workloads.
“If we are going to meet the state’s housing targets and address the housing shortage, then more needs to be done now to speed up the time it takes to get a planning approval” concluded Mr Bare.
Housing industry welcomes new Albanese cabinet appointments
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the announcement of the new Ministerial cabinet, set out by the Prime Minister today, and in particular the expansion of the housing portfolio to take in the future cities planning and a separate special envoy focused on social housing and homelessness,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.
Signs of a pulse in Canberra building approvals
Building approvals for dwellings in Canberra for the year to the end of March have shown some signs that the market may be turning the corner but still remain well below government targets.
Low volume of home building but labour shortages linger
“Australia has just seen its two weakest years of new home commencements in over a decade, meaning these ongoing shortages of skilled trades are not being caused by home building activity,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
Building approvals strengthen in March quarter
“There were 48,620 new homes approved for construction in the first quarter of 2025, up by 20.8 per cent on a year earlier,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.