18 September 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
Landmark Housing Summit Outcomes Report provides housing reform roadmap
A new report released today, has found collaborative, innovative and socially responsible solutions will be central to solving the state’s housing crisis.
The Property Council of Australia, in partnership with the McKell Institute, has released the NSW Housing Summit Outcomes Report setting out key solutions to address housing supply and affordability, ahead of tomorrow’s State Budget.
Property Council’s NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the Outcomes Report was developed following the landmark NSW Housing Summit which brought together leading experts from across the property industry, government and civil society.
“The release of this report ahead of tomorrow’s State Budget is timely, as the Budget will play a vital role in laying the groundwork to increase the supply and affordability of housing in all parts of the market,” Ms Stevenson said.
“Our Outcomes Report offers innovative ideas and solutions from leaders across the sector, designed to make housing more accessible to a greater number of people.
“From the delivery of more transit-oriented development to increasing financial support for vital homelessness services in our community, this report provides a clear reform pathway for government to tackle the state’s housing crisis.
“Although the factors contributing to this housing crisis are multifaceted, the policy solutions are clear.
“The key to successfully navigating this housing crisis and preventing the situation from worsening lies in fostering collaboration and consensus among key stakeholders in the sector, particularly those dedicated to providing housing solutions for the most vulnerable members of our community.
“It is great to see some of our recommendations already being implemented by the NSW Government, including the recent $224 million Essential Housing Package to support social housing and homelessness services.
“We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the NSW Government to implement the remaining proposals in this Outcomes Report.”
The 13 key recommendations from Housing Summit Outcomes report are detailed below:
- Develop a Transit Oriented Development SEPP to support delivery of more high and medium-density housing around transport hubs.
- Improve built form quality and accountability through the NSW Building Reform Agenda.
- Set ambitious but achievable housing targets and embrace a ‘carrot and stick’ approach to delivery.
- Augment council planning capacity to expedite approvals.
- Embrace new technologies to expedite the planning and approvals process.
- Work with the Australian Government to create the correct settings for institutional investment in housing stock.
- Work with Australian Government to address disincentives for capital investment in at scale developments.
- Introduce annual indexation on the minimum value of housing before stamp duty is applied for first home buyers.
- Expedite the appeals process for land valuations.
- Commit to a Social and Affordable Housing Target and establish a dedicated funding stream to ensure delivery.
- Prioritise public housing solutions in the disposal of NSW Government land.
- Reconsider income thresholds required to access affordable housing.
- Increase financial support for homelessness service providers.
The Housing Summit outcomes report is available on the Property Council website.
Media contact: Aidan Green – 0491030028