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“HIA has been calling for this measure for a number of years, so we welcome today’s announcement,” said Greg Weller, HIA Executive Director ACT/Southern NSW.
“Blocks over 800 square metres will be allowed to be build a secondary dwelling up to 120 square metres plus a garage, which can then be unit titled. This will assist in potentially bringing more homes to the market in Canberra, which are desperately needed.
“While the change is a positive one, it is disappointing that the secondary dwelling has been limited to a relatively small home. This seems at odds with the overall design of the new planning system, which is promoted as being outcome-focused rather than prescriptive.
“It would also have been preferable for the blocks size to be set at 700 square metres, as it was for the former Mr Fluffy blocks.
“Changes to RZ2 that allow for additional dwelling types and a relaxation on the sale of blocks that have been subdivided without development are also welcome.
“The release of the final documents will allow industry to finally have all the detail to start preparing for the new system when it comes in later this year. Before that however, we expect the Legislative Assembly will also spend some time reviewing it and we look forward to contributing to that process.
“We also welcome the focus from the ACT Government on managing this transition, with a number of education options also announced, along with a dedicated information hotline,” concluded Mr Weller.
“Prices of home building materials grew by 1.4 per cent in the year to September 2024, significantly slower than other goods and services as measured by CPI,” stated HIA Economist, Maurice Tapang.
HIA members are invited to sign up for online Planning Portal training sessions. The free training sessions cover a range of topics from navigating the Planning Portal through to creating and submitting a Complying Development Certificate application.
Members are reminded that from 1 November 2024, a written notification must be sent to WorkSafe ACT prior to undertaking, or directing or allowing a worker to carry out any permitted work involving legacy engineered stone in the ACT.
“Detached house approvals across Australia rose by 6.1 per cent in the month of September to 9,890. This is the highest monthly number of detached house approvals in two years,” stated HIA Economist, Maurice Tapang.