The Minns Labor Government has officially launched the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) to speed up planning approvals for significant residential developments in New South Wales. Starting 8 January 2025, this new initiative aims to streamline housing delivery through a State Significant Development (SSD) pathway.
A New Pathway for Major Housing Projects
The HDA introduces a concurrent assessment and rezoning process, eliminating the need for council approvals. This innovative approach is expected to cut assessment timeframes for major developments by over a year in some cases. Notably, the SSD pathway is available for projects valued above $60 million in Greater Sydney and $30 million in regional NSW.
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration. Proposals that meet the EOI criteria and align with the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARS) will proceed further. These criteria ensure that developments are well-located, close to transport, amenities, and services, making them highly accessible and sustainable.
Key Benefits of the Housing Delivery Authority
The HDA offers several advantages to developers, councils, and communities:
- Faster Approvals: The SSD pathway reduces approval times for large-scale projects, expediting the delivery of much-needed housing.
- Efficient Use of Resources: Councils can focus on smaller, less complex applications while the HDA handles significant developments.
- Strategic Housing Locations: The initiative prioritises projects near transport, jobs, and essential community services.
By streamlining the assessment process, the HDA supports the Minns Government’s goal of increasing housing supply while fostering vibrant, well-connected communities.
Leadership and Monthly Assessments
The HDA’s leadership includes key government officials:
- Simon Draper, Secretary of the Premier’s Department
- Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
- Tom Gellibrand, Chief Executive Officer of Infrastructure NSW
This team will oversee monthly meetings to evaluate proposals against the established criteria. They will then make recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces regarding project declarations as SSDs.
Complementing Existing Housing Initiatives
The HDA builds on recent planning reforms introduced by the Minns Government, including:
- The Transport-Oriented Development Program, which focuses on housing near transport hubs.
- The Housing Taskforce, which seeks to address housing supply and affordability issues.
- The International Pattern Book Design Competition, promoting innovative housing design.
Developers can still choose the existing regionally significant development pathway, but the HDA offers a faster alternative, particularly for larger projects.
Supporting the State’s Housing Priorities
This initiative aligns with the Minns Government’s broader housing goals, such as delivering homes in strategic locations and reducing barriers to development. By offering a streamlined pathway, the HDA ensures more efficient planning processes while maintaining rigorous environmental and design standards.
For more information about the Housing Delivery Authority, including EOI criteria and SEARS, visit the NSW Planning website.
