Hastily introduced third party appeals legislation would threaten investment and jobs in WA.
The Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on Public Administration and Finance is meeting today to consider third party appeals in planning legislation before Parliament.
Property Council Executive Director, Mr Joe Lenzo, said that third party appeals could further delay an already slow development approvals process.
“Third party appeals would remove certainty and add to delays in planning appeals in WA.”
“WA needs timely and proper planning approvals processes to attract investment in a competitive property investment market.”
“Otherwise, investment dollars will find their way interstate or overseas.”
There have been suggestions by the Greens that every other State already has the right to third party appeals.
“It is misleading to suggest that there are broad third party appeal rights in other States,” said Mr Lenzo.
“Our research shows that third party appeal rights are, in fact, limited in most other States.”
“The third party appeal rights generally only relate to big infrastructure projects and the like – I mean ports and mines for example.”
“Even then, the appeal rights usually only apply to those proponents who made submissions in the original planning process.”
The Committee is due to report back to the Legislative Council by 5 December.
“If third party appeals are going to be considered, there needs to be a proper and thorough review of their implications for the overall planning approvals system,” said Mr Lenzo.
“There is insufficient time to allow for a proper review of third party appeals and other planning legislation before 5 December.”
A Property Council information paper has been provided to the Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on Public Administration and Finance.
There are risks associated with third party appeals, which include:
- heightened uncertainty in planning;
- approval delays and increased costs;
- a litigation culture;
- a decline in our international and interstate competitiveness; and
- a further erosion of business confidence in a fragile economic environment in WA.
Contact:
Joe Lenzo, Executive Director, 0419 044 768
