07 August 2014
The report on planning reform by South Australia’s Expert Panel has many positive ideas that support a simpler planning system, says the Urban Taskforce.
“South Australia is proposing 27 reforms to its planning system that could deliver a faster, simpler, pro-growth planning system that reinforces the role of the State Government,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “The proposed State Planning Commission will have ‘general responsibility for administering the planning system’ as well as providing high level advice on planning, infrastructure and urban renewal.”
“The Commission is supported by a network of regional planning boards who prepare regional strategies and approve council rezoning proposals. The combination of the Commission and regional boards sounds very similar to what was proposed for NSW. The proposed Greater Sydney Commission could learn from the South Australian discussion on the value of independent authorities and their relationship to the responsibilities of the planning minister.”
“What is clear from the South Australian package is that the State Government is proposing a stronger leadership role. One reform is proposing to establish a ‘state-wide menu of planning rules’ another is to move towards independent professional assessment panels. A form-based approach to zoning based on mixed-use principles is proposed as well as the ability to change plans quickly as times change.”
“The Urban Taskforce is supportive of these reform proposals and believes other Australian states can learn from the reforms proposed. A number of the ideas have clearly been influenced by the now on hold reforms proposed in New South Wales. Hopefully NSW will continue to also implement a simpler planning system that encourages more housing solutions for the fast growing population.”
The South Australian report is available at: http://www.thinkdesigndeliver.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/139640/Expert_Panel_Report_2014.pdf
