Councils that improve development assessment timeframes will be eligible for a share of $200 million in infrastructure funding, under a Minns Labor government program aimed at accelerating housing supply.
The Faster Assessments Incentive program will reward councils expected to deliver a higher proportion of homes under five-year housing targets and that either reduce or maintain short assessment timeframes.
A further Digital Assistance program will fund upgrades to local systems to better integrate with the NSW Planning Portal, with the aim of streamlining approval processes.
New government data shows the approach is already having an impact.
Development assessment times fell 24 per cent in the last financial year, with applications now processed in 83 days on average – less than three months.
The proportion of councils meeting the Ministerial Statement of Expectations has risen from 49 per cent to 69 per cent since the start of the National Housing Accord.
State Significant Developments are also being approved more quickly, averaging 253 days compared to the government’s 275-day commitment.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the measures were designed to support councils while also holding them accountable.
“Councils who have worked hard to improve their performance and meet the Ministerial Statement of Expectations on DA assessment times can now access a share of $200 million in local infrastructure funding,” he said.
“Councils assess 85 per cent of all Development Applications and have a critical role to play in delivering the homes we need during the Housing Accord period.
“We have applied both the carrot and the stick, and now we’re seeing results. A 24 per cent reduction in assessment timeframes means DAs are being approved and builders can get construction underway faster and reduce costs.
“There is more work to do but there is a downward trend in assessment times, while the number of housing proposals are increasing.”
