New League Tables to expedite housing approvals in NSW

The Property Council of Australia has endorsed the NSW government’s recent introduction of State Agency League Tables.

These tables are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government agencies by monitoring their performance in processing development approvals within the stipulated timelines.

Details of the League Tables initiative

Developed by the Housing Taskforce, the League Tables will assess the performance of 22 government agencies in handling concurrences, integrated development approvals, and referrals (CIRs).

The goal is for these agencies to achieve compliance with legislated timeframes in at least 90% of cases, promoting a more accountable and transparent system.

Property Council’s call for comprehensive planning reforms

Katie Stevenson (pictured), executive director of Property Council NSW, praised the initiative as a significant step towards accountability but stressed the need for broader reforms.

“The release of State Agency League Tables is a positive move towards holding government agencies accountable for unnecessary delays that slow down the delivery of new homes,” Stevenson said.

She highlighted the ongoing issue of bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay shovel-ready projects, underscoring the council’s long-standing advocacy for streamlined processes.

Advocacy for enhanced efficiency in planning

The Property Council has been vocal about its desire for a more efficient planning system, including the elimination of redundant referrals and the enhancement of coordination between agencies. Specific suggestions include:

• A review to eliminate redundant emergency services assessments, which occur at multiple stages of planning and development.
• Improved coordination of agency referrals to ensure timely resolutions.
• An overhaul of post-consent processes to prevent delays even after developments receive initial approval.
• Implementation of a best-practice model akin to Queensland’s State Assessment and Referral Agency to expedite decision-making processes.

Future directions and further actions needed

Stevenson acknowledged the progress made through improved agency coordination but said that more efforts were necessary.

“Many approved projects remain stalled due to unnecessary post-consent hurdles,” she said.

The Property Council urged the NSW government to prioritise eliminating these barriers by simplifying design modification processes and ensuring that agencies are equipped to handle an increasing volume of applications.

Stevenson had previously commended the Minns government’s early initiatives such as the Housing Delivery Authority and planning reforms that improved infrastructure. However, she cautioned that ongoing delays and rising regulatory costs still pose a threat to state housing targets.

Despite progress, NSW is expected to fall short of its National Housing Accord target by 185,000 homes.