13 December 2007
Local councils objections to reducing levies on new homes is nothing more than bureaucratic empire building, according to Aaron Gadiel, CEO of the NSW Urban Taskforce.
The State Governments recent reforms to local council development charges will make new homes more affordable for everyday home buyers, Mr Gadiel said.
These local council charges have been skyrocketing every year. A typical home buyer was looking at paying an extra $47,000 for their dream home just to cover local council levies.
This money was to pay for council-run wellness and massage facilities, beach volley ball courts, yoga and Pilates facilities and media/sound studios.
Most people dont expect their councils to provide these kinds of services.
Its becoming very difficult for many to own or even rent their own home.
Excess government charges are one reason why its very difficult for the development sector to supply the new homes that the community desperately needs right now.
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
