{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Proposed climate change and natural hazards SEPP could strangle new housing delivery

Media release

Proposed climate change and natural hazards SEPP could strangle new housing delivery

Media release
“The proposed Climate Change and Natural Hazards SEPP risks making the housing supply crisis worse,” said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.

“New housing is already suffocating under the weight of layers of red tape. This policy could unnecessarily restrict development which would further reduce housing supply and drive up the cost of new housing.”

A study by the Centre for International Economics found that already nearly half of the cost of a new house and land package is due to taxes, fees and regulatory costs.

“It is important that we achieve the right balance between the urgent need to increase housing supply and introducing protections for climate change adaption. We can’t just look at issues in isolation. It is a known fact in areas like Western Sydney that get quite cold in winter, a dark roof actually helps to improve the overall energy rating of the house. 

“The devil is in the detail, and the problem is that the proposed policy the government has consulted on so far has no detail. It is impossible to determine what the impacts of the proposal will be,” added Mr Armitage.

HIA is calling on the Government to make the full Draft SEPP Instrument available for public consultation. A comprehensive Regulatory Impact Assessment process must also be conducted to properly consider the broad ranging impacts of the proposed policy. 

“The recent planning reforms will be game changing in terms of supporting housing delivery. This proposed Climate Change and Natural Hazards SEPP though is potentially a massive step backwards,” concluded Mr Armitage.

For more information please contact:

Brad Armitage

Executive Director – NSW
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
20 Jul
HIA calls for urgent reform of Tasmania’s Protection Work framework

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling on the Tasmanian Government to urgently reform Tasmania's Protection Work framework, warning the current system is creating unnecessary delays, increasing costs and exposing builders and owners to uncertainty and risk.

20 Jul
Senate Select Committee on Productivity

Opening statement by Simon Croft, Chief Executive Industry & Policy

20 Jul
Housing supply set to fall as thousands of new home contracts face cancellation

"The ban on SMSFs building new homes undermines the governments’ objective of building 1.2 million homes and improving housing affordability,” said Tim Reardon, HIA’s Chief Economist.

16 Jul
More homes not more limits

HIA does not support amendment HOB-S11.0 to impose restrictions on visitor accommodation. We regard this amendment as a misguided attempt to achieve a worthwhile outcome by means that will be ineffective at best and counterproductive at worst.