PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MADE EASIER FOR THE SMART STATE

Changes to the State’s Integrated Planning Act will make development assessment systems more efficient thereby improving housing affordability.

The major strategy we announce today will give the State Government the power to speed up development.

Development holding costs during the assessment period can add between $15,000 to $20,000 a dwelling. This is a cost passed on to the home buyers, but it can be significantly reduced by a more efficient planning and development assessment system.

The Government will immediately amend the Integrated Planning Act 1997 to:

• improve the efficiency and timeliness of the development system, particularly in relation to high-growth areas;

• enable the Planning Minister to resolve conflicts between agencies early in the assessment process including a new power to direct a decision to be made;

• regulate to require structure planning for major urban and development areas; and

• enable councils to deal with low risk approvals through a simplified process.

This is all about delivering achievable changes that benefit the State’s home buyers.

25 July, 2007

Media inquiries: Premiers Office 3224 4500
Deputy Premiers Office 3224 6900