22 April 2014
The announcement of the new Baird Ministry gives a fresh look to the NSW Government that needs to drive growth for the state, says the Urban Taskforce.
“The appointment of Pru Goward as Minister for Planning moves the portfolio away from the North Shore protest groups and focuses on the importance of growth for the state,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “The appointment of Rob Stokes as Assistant Planning Minister uses his expertise in this area to ensure the detail of planning is followed through.”
“The Urban Taskforce is keen to work closely with both ministers as they develop their approach to how the state’s growth will be managed. Importantly NSW must not fall behind other states on key growth performance targets and this will mean the planning reforms need to lead to a simpler, pro-growth approach to housing the state’s future population.”
“The continuation of Stuart Ayres as the Minister for Fair Trading will mean the Strata Act reforms can continue. These are important reforms as Sydney moves more towards apartment living as a preferred model for up to half of metropolitan households.”
“The Premier, Mike Baird, has a great opportunity with his new team to drive NSW forward. We congratulate the Premier on moving swiftly to put his cabinet together and now eagerly look forward to new policies that return funds to the state through the sale of key infrastructure. With increased funds the necessary new infrastructure to support growth can be rolled out with new development.”
“Paul Toole as Local Government Minister will need to drive reforms in this sector. The Urban Taskforce congratulates all new ministers and parliamentary secretaries and undertakes to work with them in advancing the state’s prosperity.”