19 July 2007
It would be quicker to walk from Sydney to Perth than get a home extension approved by some North Shore councils, according to Aaron Gadiel, CEO of the NSW Urban Taskforce.
This weeks Local Development Performance Monitoring Report released by the NSW Government reveals, for the first time, that North Shore councils have some of the States longest development application (DA) processing times.
It takes an average of four months for Warringah, Lane Cove, North Sydney and Mosman councils to issue an approval to homeowners, Mr Gadiel said.
The reports shows that Warringah Council takes 88 business days, Lane Cove takes 83 business days, North Sydney takes 83 business days and Mosman takes 81 business days.
You would be able to walk from Sydney to Perth in the time it takes these councils to approve a simple change to your home.
Nothing can excuse such a disappointing performance.
Mr Gadiel said this new information could not be ignored.
This report demonstrates the need for immediate reform of the States unwieldy planning system.
Theres no reason why approving a pergola, a home extension or a new kitchen should take more than seven days.
Delays and disputes in the development application process are hurting the ordinary homeowner.
Research shows that delays in approvals cost up to $4 billion a year in NSW.
These delays can increase the cost of building a new home by up to 15 per cent, Mr Gadiel said.
You could walk 4,928 kilometres in the time its takes these councils to approve a DA. Thats assuming a speed of five kilometres per hour, and only eight hours of walking a day. The walk from Sydney to Perth is a mere 3,970 kilometres in comparison.
The NSW Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing NSWs most important developers, builders and property financiers. The NSW development industry contributes $35 billion to the States economy and employs 180,000 people, accounting for six percent of the States total employment.
Media Enquires: Aaron Gadiel, Chief Executive Officer. Phone: 0417 477 904 or (02) 9238 3955
