THE peak body representing local government across the state has acknowledged the NSW Premier and opposition leader’s efforts for a bi-partisan approach to planning reforms, but warned against further rushed changes that could exacerbate the state’s housing supply crisis. Local Government NSW (LGNSW) president, mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, said a recent stakeholder meeting was a step in the right direction, with councils keen for it to generate positive change in the debate. “While collaboration between all levels of government is crucial in addressing the housing crisis, reviewing the planning system now is poor timing. It will serve to create further uncertainty for all stakeholders and would most likely stall housing construction further, as developers may consider delaying projects in anticipation of potentially more favourable outcomes under a future framework,” Mayor Miller said. Mayor Miller also cautioned against any moves that would seek to scrap or defer the essential infrastructure contributions that provide the infrastructure, green space, pools and community facilities that make our communities liveable. “We hear the concerns of the private development sector, and both sides of politics need to think seriously about ways to put real dollars into infrastructure and building construction. Communities need housing and amenity to be delivered, but must not be made to subsidise the profit of developers,” she said. Mayor Miller also highlighted the obvious need to include the voice of local government in any discussion about reforms. “We know councils approve about 97 percent of all DAs and local councils know their communities best – we know the challenges, the pressures but also the opportunities. We are at the forefront of local planning and are best placed to provide feedback on where improvements can be made.” Mayor Miller said she had written to the NSW Government and opposition and continued to seek collaborative engagement on this important issue.
