Planning report reveals lethargic local government system

Planning report reveals lethargic local government systemThe Property Council of Australia has today released a report confirming that South Australia still suffers from a lethargic local government-based planning system.The 2015 Development Assessment Report Card (3rd Edition) commissioned by the Property Council of Australia rates South Australia 6.9 out of ten and the country’s equal second best performing state. “There’s a lot to be proud of in the findings of the 2015 Development Assessment Report Card, particularly the role of the DAC and the established city and regional plans,” said SA Executive Director Daniel Gannon. “We’ve got some great foundations, but there needs to be a cultural shift in local government that creates a more proactive and engaging system, rather than the currently quite adversarial approach. “South Australia writhes in pain when it comes to our state’s lethargic local government-based planning system.”And this is the case despite the efforts of the State Government to bring about change. “The establishment of an Expert Panel and the State Government’s positive response to its recommendations is heartening.”The State Government clearly understands that planning reform is crucial to unlocking economic growth in South Australia, and we urge local governments to get on board. “If all levels of government, industry and the community can work together, then we should be able to create a system that will set this state far ahead of the rest of Australia in terms of attracting investment, creating jobs, and building strong and livable communities.” Chief Executive Ken Morrison said the report shows most states and territories are making positive changes, but urgently need to step up their planning reform efforts to take pressure off house prices. “Planning needs to be recognised as a tool to drive economic growth and address housing affordability – report card scores ranging from 5.6 to 7.7 simply don’t cut it,” said Mr Morrison. “While the scores reveal some gradual improvements against the planning principles, the results are still decidedly average across all Australian jurisdictions, stifling new housing, increasing costs and impacting affordability. “Poor planning and antiquated development assessment processes significantly drive up the price of housing and commercial projects. “The only really effective way to make housing more affordable is to build more homes, build them faster and at lower cost.”Our planning processes are the key to all these solutions.”