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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Planning approvals ripe for AI overhaul

Media release

Planning approvals ripe for AI overhaul

Media release
“Harnessing artificial intelligence to drive a once in a generation overhaul of planning systems across the country could be the circuit breaker Australia needs to deliver 1.2 million homes over next 5 years” said Sam Heckel HIA Executive Director, Planning & Environment.

“Putting AI to work in planning will help clear the biggest bottlenecks in housing delivery, freeing up planning resources to focus on the complex assessments that need more detailed professional involvement.

“AI can help review documentation, assess state significant development applications and complete post-submission checks, providing a recommendation all before a human needs to get involved. 

“This makes the final planning decisions by local and state governments for approvals quicker and easier. Equally it provides greater transparency to the process for all parties.

“NSW is leading the charge on AI adoption with the Minister wanting the systems up and running by end of 2025.  This follows the AI trials NSW have been working on with local councils across the state, which has seen compelling results, with homes approved in as little as two days.

“One of the key areas that can be targeted with greater use of AI is to unlock a back log of up to 26,000 homes awaiting EPBC Assessment.

“The recently announced new ‘strike team’ within the Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water have been tasked with prioritising housing approvals to get new projects shovel ready quicker.

“Leaning into one of the new AI planning approvals programs, to help support this strike team and state and local governments in the approvals of these 26,000+ homes by end of year and would be a game changer for new housing delivery.

“Using AI to unlock more housing is exactly the kind of thing we need to see, and it presents real opportunities in speeding up approvals and making our economy more productive. 

“HIA is urging all states and territories to take up “new technology in ways that reduce regulatory burden and speed up approvals” and this follows the recent Economic Reform Roundtable where AI was a big focus of discussion,“ concluded Mr Heckel. 

For more information please contact:

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
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