The final Ryde Assurance Review says there is a need for more infrastructure but then says that developer contributions for infrastructure should be stopped, says the Urban Taskforce.
“The Ryde Assurance Review is a confusing document that implies over development yet current housing numbers are on target.” says Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson. “The review issued by the Greater Sydney Commission said that 4,500 new dwellings were completed over the three financial years from 2015 to 2018 yet the GSC’s target was 7,600 over 5 financial years. It would appear that the growth is on target at 1,500 new homes a year.”
“The GSC has contradicted themselves by saying ‘there is a misalignment between the scale of development and the co-ordination of infrastructure necessary to support it’ and then argues against spot rezoning that they say has contributed $200 million for new infrastructure. Clearly spot rezoning with Voluntary Planning Agreements is contributing significant funds for the much needed infrastructure but the GSC wants it stopped.”
“The first report by the GSC did not raise concerns about spot rezoning but it seems they have been listening to the Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, statements about this process. Many in the industry are concerned that the GSC’s independence seems to be fading as they become more integrated within the NSW Government.”
The Urban Taskforce is concerned that despite the GSC stopping planning proposals for two years in Ryde and stopping the Missing Middle code the GSC is now predicting increased new dwelling numbers. Housing approvals across all of Sydney have dropped to low levels and most developers believe housing supply will slow down over the next few years. It therefore seems strange that the GSC are predicting the opposite will happen in Ryde.”
Read the Full PDF Here