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“While on one hand Labor has committed to seeing 30,000 new homes in the ACT by the end of 2030, on the other the government is actively putting hurdles in the way of getting new housing approved,” said Greg Weller, HIA Executive Director ACT/Southern NSW.
“A government tender which has recently closed, is to set up the Independent Planning Advisory Service (IPAS), which will include legal and planning expertise, and provide support to lodge objections to housing development applications.
“The service will be a two-year pilot and will assist third parties that are trying to stop a development in Canberra or fight a planning decision.
“The service can best be described as ‘legal aid for NIMBYs’.
“HIA has been using debate around the upcoming election to release policy ideas that help build more houses – this is a plan to do the opposite. We have not seen anything like this elsewhere in the country.”
Mr Weller also questioned the point of this service in light of the many years and resources put into the new planning system – which also includes a public helpline.
“The paint is barely dry on the ACT’s new planning system - which is being cited as one of the pillars of government’s plan to unlock more housing development – yet at the same time a new unit of government is being set up to give legal advice on how to fight against it.
“The planning system has well established mechanisms to provide public notification of proposed developments, and pathways for people to seek more information or object to a project.
“Therefore, the creation of the IPAS service is hardly a vote of confidence that the planning system and mechanisms around it are fit for purpose,” concluded Mr Weller.
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to see housing feature prominently at this week’s Economic Reform Roundtable particularly on cutting excessive red tape and streamlining environmental approvals, but as Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated more work is needed on easing housing construction,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.
“As an industry association whose members are embedded in the Hunter and Mid North Coast communities, HIA welcomes the $50 million Housing Support Package announced by the Albanese and Minns Governments,” said HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion.
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Albanese Government in providing $300 million to support Australia’s future wood supply to meet increasing housing needs across the country,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.
“Today’s announcement on the successful take up of the HomeGrown Territory grant highlights the importance of this key housing support scheme that is spurring economic growth and kickstarting home building across the Territory,” stated HIA Executive Director - Northern Territory, Luis Espinoza.