An independent and depoliticised process should be used to ensure major investment that creates jobs and housing is efficiently progressed through the planning system, according to the Property Council of Australia.
“It is critical that NSW is able to attract investment, jobs and housing,” NSW Executive Director Glenn Byres said today.
“Commercial, residential and retail projects are essential to the growth of the state’s economy – and should be treated the same as other major projects.
“If the Government wants to remove concerns about ministerial discretion then they should hand the process over to an independent umpire.
“The Government has committed itself to referring about half of existing applications in the system to the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC).
“The PAC’s role should be extended right across the system to ensure all major projects are placed in the hands of an independent umpire.
“It can play two roles.
“The PAC should act as a gatekeeper on the system and decide which projects deserve major project status.
“As the independent experts, the PAC can then approve or reject projects.
“An independent umpire represents a balanced and efficient process that also gives the community confidence in the merit of decisions.
“All reforms to the planning system should be done in a seamless and simple way.”
Media contact: Glenn Byres, NSW Executive Director, 0419 695 435.
