By Lilia Guan

 

Property development industry group, the Urban Taskforce claimed the New South Wales Government’s decision to act on its mandate to roll-back Part 3A lead to broader reform of the state's urban planning process.

 

The Taskforce’s chief executive officer, Aaron Gadiel, said the Coalition parties had set out an agenda to repeal Part 3A, reduce red tape, dramatically boost the supply of new homes, invest in urban infrastructure and reform the planning system.

 

“Part 3A has been an important part of the planning system since 2005 and the NSW planning system would have ground to a halt long ago without it,” he said.

 

“Part 3A has helped paper over deep seated problems in the planning system by overcoming illogical rules and unjustifiable prohibitions with a flexible approval process.”

 

However Mr Gadiel said the O’Farrell Government has a clear mandate to repeal it.

 

Without Part 3A Mr Gadiel told Government News local governments will be given greater responsibility. 

 

“The challenge for [councils] will be to decide whether or not they can make decisions on behalf of a whole region, not just its existing residents,” he said.

 

“Will councils refuse developments that offer strong benefits to future home buyers and renters, as well as workers who might come into the area?”
 
According to Mr Gadiel Part 3A has been important for securing new housing and jobs for local communities. 

 

“Its repeal necessitates broader reform of the planning system if our community is to get the shopping precincts, housing and new workplaces it needs,” he said.
 
“This must mean less red tape, stronger efforts to boost the supply of new homes and more public investment in urban infrastructure.”