smh.com.au
NSW Housing Delivery Authority Aims to Speed Up Development Approvals
The NSW government created the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) on December 20, 2023, to fast-track large housing developments (\$60M+ in Sydney, \$30M+ regionally) near transport, bypassing some standard approvals to address slow development application processes and Sydney's housing crisis.
- What is the primary goal of the NSW Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) and how does it aim to achieve this goal?
- The NSW government established the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) to expedite the approval process for large-scale housing developments, aiming to alleviate Sydney's housing crisis. This three-person body fast-tracks projects over \$60 million in Sydney and \$30 million regionally, bypassing some standard approvals. The HDA's goal is to streamline approvals and increase housing supply.
- What are the main criticisms of the existing development approval system in NSW, and how does the HDA intend to address these issues?
- The current Development Application (DA) system in NSW is criticized for excessive red tape and slow processing times, hindering new housing construction. Councils, state agencies, and even builders are blamed for delays. The HDA aims to address these inefficiencies by providing a faster approval pathway for large-scale projects near transport hubs and business centers.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of the HDA on housing affordability and equitable access to housing in NSW, and what measures could mitigate potential negative consequences?
- While the HDA aims to increase housing supply, concerns exist regarding accountability and transparency in its decision-making process. The lack of mandated affordable housing provisions raises equity concerns, potentially exacerbating existing housing inequalities. The long-term impact on housing affordability and equitable access remains uncertain.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing leans towards a critical perspective of both the existing DA system and the newly established HDA. The headline and introduction immediately set a negative tone, highlighting the system's complexities and delays. The numerous criticisms from various stakeholders are given prominent placement, while positive perspectives are less emphasized or relegated to brief quotes. The selection and sequencing of information contribute to a narrative that underscores the problems rather than the potential solutions.
Language Bias
While the article uses strong language at times ("convoluted, contorted system", "handbrake on attacking Sydney's housing crisis", "just using it as an excuse for NIMBYism"), it generally quotes these opinions from specific individuals, rather than directly injecting such language into the narrative. The use of words like "sluggish", "inefficiencies", and "delays" consistently frames the topic negatively, but again often in direct quotation. However, the repeated use of such negative terminology contributes to an overall negative tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the criticisms of the current DA system and the HDA, but gives less attention to potential benefits or positive impacts of the HDA. While it mentions that the HDA aims to "streamline approvals" and improve housing outcomes, it lacks concrete examples of successful HDA interventions or data showing improvements in housing supply. The article also omits details on the specific environmental assessment requirements that successful proposals must meet. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully assess the potential environmental consequences of fast-tracking developments.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between the existing slow DA process and the fast-tracked HDA process, without fully exploring potential middle grounds or alternative solutions. It frames the debate as an "eitheor" choice between the current system and the HDA, neglecting the possibility of improving the existing system or implementing other reform strategies.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the NSW government's initiative to streamline the development application (DA) process for housing, aiming to address Sydney's housing crisis and improve housing affordability. This directly relates to SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, specifically target 11.3, which aims to strengthen efforts towards the protection and safeguarding of cultural and natural heritage. By improving the efficiency of the DA process, the initiative seeks to increase the supply of housing, making cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The faster approval process could also lead to better urban planning and more sustainable housing developments.