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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

NT approvals reform a step in the right direction

Media release

NT approvals reform a step in the right direction

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to streamlining the Territory’s planning and building approval system,” HIA Executive Director NT, Luis Espinoza said today.

“The announcement follows the release of the Approvals Fast-Track Taskforce’s inaugural Saying Yes to Business report, outlining 22 key recommendations and 70 actions aimed at reducing delays, duplication and complexity in the Territory’s regulatory system.

“The report confirmed what industry has been saying for many years,” said Mr Espinoza.

“We hear time and again from our members that lengthy delays and overly complex approvals processes are slowing down projects, increasing costs, and making it harder to deliver new homes in the Territory.

“With 95 per cent of businesses reporting significant delays in approvals, and almost 70 per cent saying there are unnecessary or duplicated steps in the process. This is a serious handbrake on investment and housing delivery.

“HIA has consistently called for a more risk-based and transparent approach to development approvals in the Territory, including through our advocacy to the Taskforce and ongoing consultation with Government.

“We are pleased to see the Government accept the vast majority of the Taskforce’s recommendations and signal a commitment to meaningful reform.

“Improving the timelines and certainty of approvals is critical if the Territory is going to meet any housing and population targets. This reform work must now lead to practical change on the ground.

“A focus on reducing regulatory touchpoints, increasing agency coordination, and improving decision-making timeframes would go a long way to rebuilding confidence in the system.

“This is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with the Government to ensure these actions are implemented effectively and with industry input every step of the way,” concluded Mr Espinoza.

For more information please contact:

Luis Espinoza

Executive Director – Northern Territory
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