Property Council Executive Director, Jennifer Cunich supports the encouragement of greater density development in principal activity centres but the Government needs to understand the associated economic constraints.
“The dominant reason why Melbourne 2030 is not working is the economic viability of building medium-density developments, in activity centres.
“The cost of bringing medium-density housing is beyond the markets ability to pay and consumers can get better value for money purchasing a house or townhouse,” said Ms Cunich.
Ms Cunich said the introduction of development assessment committees is a major breakthrough but this should be rolled out across the planning system.
“This introduction of Development Assessment Committees for principal activity centres is a small step to fixing a chronic problem,” said Ms Cunich.
“Planning is in disarray across the country and the Development Assessment Forum (DAF) leading practice model is the solution,” said Ms Cunich.
The DAF model retains democratically elected representatives (local councillors) to set policy, while decisions on applications are given to independent parties that reflect the local policy settings.
“The announced development assessment committees lack private sector representation and are not truly independent.
“Local community professional experts should be appointed to these committees so planning and development applications can be independently assessed to benefit the entire local community and not just a vocal minority,” said Ms Cunich.
Concerns that the introduction of independent expert panels is an assault on the democratic process are nonsensical according to Ms Cunich.
“This is not a green light for rampant development. This will guarantee appropriate and rational planning decisions, against local policies.
“It would ensure that the planning system is beyond repute and would bolster confidence in the system,” said Ms Cunich.
The Property Council looks forward to working with the Government on the implementation of these new planning reforms.
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For further comments contact Rachel Saunders on (03)9664 4230 or 0408544788
