Udia welcomes government progress on planning reform

Critical work lies ahead though

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA) welcomes the release today of a key government progress report aimed at reforming South Australia’s planning system.

The first report by the “Expert Panel on Planning Reform” was formally presented to Planning Minister John Rau summarising the views of more than 1,200 South Australians who participated in the panel’s first stage of engagement described as the “listening and scoping” phase.

However, the UDIA says critical work lies ahead for the Expert Panel on Planning Reform – led by Brian Hayes QC – which will now move into its “exploring and discussing” phase over the next six months.

“We applaud the State Government on undertaking such a comprehensive review of the planning system, but the job for them is only just beginning,” said Terry Walsh, UDIA (SA) Executive Director.

“We look forward to continued engagement with the Expert Panel to highlight major issues with the current planning system that need to be urgently addressed.

“The independent Expert Panel has listened which is great, but now is the time for them to drill down and consider the evidence of where the planning system is failing the property development industry and other citizens in the communities.

“A strong planning system is an enabler of economic growth. And we want South Australia to keep growing and to keep providing jobs and opportunities for South Australians.”

The UDIA will tomorrow morning host a special breakfast seminar at the Crowne Plaza Adelaide from 7.30am-9.15am where guests will hear from Planning Minister John Rau and Expert Panel on Planning Reform Chair, Brian Hayes QC, about outcomes from the initial report.

The UDIA and other stakeholders will then await an options paper from the Expert Panel on Planning Reform, which is expected to be released for public feedback in mid-2014.

Established in 1971, the UDIA (SA) is the state’s peak representative body for the urban development industry. It represents the interests of the development industry in South Australia in collaboration with all levels of government and seeks to represent all sections of the urban development sector, including developers, councils and service providers such as engineers, planners and surveyors.

As the fifth largest contributor to output in SA, the property development industry employs 56,000 people or 7% of the state’s total workforce, and accounts for almost $9 billion or 12% of Gross State Product.

FURTHER INFORMATION:  Please contact
Terry Walsh, UDIA (SA) Executive Director, on 0408 704 790 or
Kieran Hall from Hughes Public Relations on 0422 147 151 or kieran@hughespr.com.au