The Property Council of Australia has launched its 2023 NSW Election Platform, calling for a renewed focus on building homes, creating jobs, and delivering a sustainable future.
Property Council’s Acting NSW Executive Director, Adina Cirson said a plan was needed make NSW the place of choice, and create a sustainable future.
“NSW needs a plan for our State’s long-term future and that plan needs to more than just aspirational – we need to deliver on it,” Ms Cirson said.
“The Property Council of Australia’s 2023 NSW Election Platform outlines a suite of high-impact and positive interventions, designed to deliver for all.”
She said the next NSW Government had a “golden opportunity” to demonstrate leadership, deliver greater accountability, and confront the challenges holding the state and sector back.
“The property sector is skilled at building vibrant communities and economic centres, but our industry’s ability to shape an even better future is being held back by heavy-handed regulation and a planning system that’s complex and works against those trying to deliver solutions,” said Ms Cirson.
“The housing supply crisis is the biggest challenge facing our state and it needs to be front and centre of an incoming governments agenda.
“Whether you live in the city or the regions, the housing crisis is making every day harder than the last for NSW residents.
“That’s why we are calling on an incoming government to restore accountability to our planning system, gear up our planning capacity and deliver real housing choice within communities.”
Ms Cirson said elevating housing supply as a Premier’s Priority and tasking the Department of Premier and Cabinet with whole-of-government coordination was the first step to confronting the state crisis.
“We also need to see an infrastructure program which matches investment to our biggest growth regions,” she said.
“It’s critical we shift our focus toward rewarding those local councils that deliver on the community’s housing needs, while red carding councils who refuse to share in the growth agenda of the state.”
Ms Cirson said the State Government must do more to make NSW the place of choice for all.
“Our regions should be harnessed to become globally significant centres, and our taxation system needs to be best-in-class to attract the global capital and talent that will set us up for generations to come,” she said.
“We have a unique opportunity to leverage the Federal Government’s new City Partnerships model to reinvigorate our emerging cities in Western Sydney, the Hunter, and the Illawarra and drive investment in transformative infrastructure.
“While NSW has been a strong champion for climate action, our ambition across the energy and transport sectors has not been matched in the property sector.
“Buildings account for more than 50% of Australia’s electricity use and almost a quarter of its emissions. Buildings also present some of the lowest cost emissions reduction opportunities available to governments.
“The NSW Government can lead from the front by setting a net zero vision for buildings in NSW, supporting the shift to greater energy efficient homes and offices, and driving greater resilience within communities.”
Ms Cirson said the NSW Government holds some of the biggest levers to reduce emissions embedded through construction and generated by asset operation.
“Through the projects they procure and the buildings they tenant, the NSW Government can lead a strong decarbonisation agenda across the built environment.”
“That’s why we’re calling on the NSW Government to lead by example and set a 2030 net zero public service target.
“By delivering on these priorities NSW can advance our status as the greatest state in the nation,” she said.
The Property Council’s 2023 Election Platform and full list of detailed recommendations is available here.
