28 September 2007
The NSW Urban Taskforce has welcomed an announcement by NSW Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal that the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) will launch review its role in the development assessment process.
Mr Roozendaal told developers at a NSW Urban Taskforce event today he wanted the review to look at how the interaction between the RTA and the development industry could be streamlined. Aaron Gadiel, the Taskforces Chief Executive, said that the announcement was good news for anyone who wanted to see investment flowing again in NSW.
We have consistently argued that State Government agencies need to improve the way they handle their concurrence role in the development assessment process, Mr Gadiel said.
Todays announcement is an indication that our message is being heard.
Mr Roozendaal told todays gathering that he looked forward to receiving the results of the review in the near future.
He said he expected it would result in improved efficiency.
I hope the review will examine the possibility of deemed concurrences, Mr Gadiel said.
If the RTA or any other government agency doesnt respond in a set period of time, it should be assumed that they have no objections.
A development application should not be held up because a government agency has not responded.
Development applications are taking up to 9-12 months to determine.
The development industry now has to factor in holding costs caused by delays in obtaining development approvals.
These costs are up to $4 billion annually.
The NSW Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing NSWs most prominent and important developers, builders and property financiers. The NSW development industrys annual turnover is $35 billion and employs 180,000 people, accounting for six percent of the States total employment. It is the fifth largest contributor to the State economy.
Media Enquires:
Aaron Gadiel,
Chief Executive Officer,
Phone: 0417 477 904 or (02) 9238 3955
