More planning reform needed to keep NT on top

More planning reform needed to keep NT on topA national comparison of planning systems reveals the NT is leading the nation but more reforms are needed to keep the Territory on top.The Property Council of Australia’s 2015 Development Assessment Report Card ranked the NT number one, ahead of Western Australia. The report card praised recent planning reforms in the NT, including the creation of the NT Planning Commission and the concurrent applications process.”The development industry need clarity when they lodge applications and the NT framework certainly delivers that,” Ms Palmer said. “While we may be top of the class at the moment, the work isn’t done. Planning reform is a constant challenge and the NT needs clear strategic direction that gives both industry and the community certainty about where development will happen in the future and what it should look like.”Too much time has been taken in producing the Greater Darwin Land Use Strategy and even the best development assessment systems in the country can’t provide that long-term direction that we need.”As the Northern Territory continues to grow, it’s critical that government continues to further develop the strategic plans and local area plans currently under development. It is important that all stakeholders across the Territory are involved in the process and that the community broadly supports the initiatives that are being developed. “The establishment of these plans will provide the certainty and confidence needed in the property sector to ensure the strong development activity that has occurred over the last several years continues,” Ms Palmer says*ATTACHED – The Property Council of Australia’s 2015 Development Assessment Report Card*Media contact: Ruth Palmer | M 04 428 314 | E [email protected]