Breach of Principles

Breach of PrinciplesResearch commissioned by The Property Council of Australia confirms serious concerns about the impact the NSW Government’s proposed reforms of biodiversity legislation will have on housing supply and affordability.Decision making about development has always required the integration of economic, social and environmental considerations.The introduction of mandatory refusal of development, at the discretion of a local council, will elevate environmental concerns above all others and represents a breach of established planning principles.It makes no sense that permissible development in an identified growth area should be subject to mandatory refusal at the development assessment stage.Why zone land for a particular use if the likely impacts on biodiversity are then deemed unacceptable at the DA stage? This proposal contradicts reforms championed by the Baird Government that emphasise upfront certainty and a greater focus on strategic planning.Decisions about biodiversity impacts and land use compatibility should be made upfront at the strategic planning and zoning stage. The alternative will add to the expense of development finance and increase the cost of housing. The problem will be compounded in regional areas where almost all greenfield residential development requires the clearing of native vegetation.Research on the Draft Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator also identified serious flaws in the pricing of credits likely to distort the market by undermining supply and demand dynamics. The next phase of industry consultation is expected in the coming months.Please contact Andrew Fletcher, NSW Regional Director, with feedback on the Government’s proposal via [email protected]