smh.com.au
Triguboff Blames Slow Council Approvals for Sydney Housing Crisis
Billionaire developer Harry Triguboff blames Sydney's housing crisis partly on slow development approvals by local councils, citing vastly different processing times and suggesting bureaucrats receive bonuses for faster approvals; he also advocates for increased immigration but with diversity.
- How do political factors within local councils contribute to the housing crisis in Sydney?
- Harry Triguboff, a prominent developer, attributes the slow approval process to political motivations, where councilors prioritize self-preservation over addressing the housing shortage. This suggests a systemic issue where local politics impede effective urban planning and development.
- What is the primary cause of the delay in new housing developments in Sydney, and what are its immediate consequences?
- Sydney's housing crisis is exacerbated by slow development approvals, with councils taking vastly different times to process applications; for example, Wollondilly Shire Council takes 58 days on average, while Georges River Council takes 259 days. This delay directly impacts the supply of housing, hindering efforts to alleviate the crisis.
- What systemic changes are needed to overcome political obstacles and accelerate housing development in Sydney, and what are the potential long-term implications?
- To improve housing supply, Triguboff proposes a system where bureaucrats, not elected officials, handle approvals and receive bonuses for efficiency. This solution aims to decouple development approvals from political pressures, potentially accelerating the process and increasing housing availability. The long-term impact could be significant shifts in housing affordability and urban development patterns.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames Triguboff as a key player in the housing crisis, highlighting his frustrations and proposed solutions. The headline and introduction emphasize his criticisms of councils, potentially shaping readers' perceptions of councils as the primary obstacle to development. The article prioritizes his opinions, potentially overshadowing broader perspectives on the issue.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language in Triguboff's quote, "Chinese are wonderful migrants but if we bring many of them, they will take over." This statement uses strong language and implies a negative outcome, potentially fueling xenophobic sentiments. A more neutral phrasing might be: "High immigration from China may present challenges in integration." The term "sink you" in relation to council bureaucrats also holds a negative connotation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Triguboff's opinions and experiences, potentially omitting other perspectives from local councils, housing experts, or community members affected by development decisions. The reasons behind council delays are presented primarily through Triguboff's perspective, lacking alternative explanations or data on council efficiency.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that increased immigration is the only solution to the housing crisis, neglecting other contributing factors such as economic policies, zoning regulations, and land availability. Similarly, the discussion of migrants oversimplifies a complex issue, pitting different ethnic groups against each other rather than acknowledging the diversity within immigrant communities.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant delays in approving new developments in Sydney, caused by local councils. This directly impacts the SDG 11 target of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The delays exacerbate the housing crisis, making it harder to provide affordable and adequate housing, and hindering sustainable urban development. Triguboff's comments about council approvals hindering development directly relate to the inadequate planning and management of urbanization mentioned in SDG 11.