PIA has today called for the NSW Productivity Commission to stop using planning as a scapegoat for failures in housing markets and work to better understand the value provided by the profession.
In a submission to the Productivity Commission Green Paper , PIA urged the Commission to reconsider its portrayal of planning systems and address the many benefits strategic planning processes bring.
The Commission does not fully appreciate the role of strategic planning in enabling the infrastructure and services people need, the colocation of jobs and homes and the easy movement of freight. PIA argues that economic productivity relies on a sound planning system which delivers functioning cities and regions.
The Green Paper also developed a false narrative which blamed planning processes for high house prices while failing to acknowledge the many economic forces at play, including tax incentives which make housing an attractive asset class and commercial decisions which delay construction of approved projects.
PIA has highlighted evidence which showed that planning continues to deliver a strong housing supply pipeline through consistently high rates of project approvals.
PIA is also concerned that the recommendations to water down the Apartment Design Guide would subject future tenants to poor quality homes and lowered living standards – with broader economic costs – including on the productivity of the workforce and community wellbeing.
Quotes attributable to PIA NSW President, Juliet Grant:
“By considering parts of the planning system in isolation, the Productivity Commission misses the forest for the trees. Functioning cities require a functioning planning system.”
“PIA supports sensible planning reform, but the planning profession should not be used as a scapegoat for failures of our economy to deliver on the promise of housing affordability.”
“PIA members know that planning contributes to the economic strength of our state by making sure people live close to jobs and services, freight can move, and NSW is an attractive place to work and live.”
-ENDS- Media Contact: Audrey Marsh | Policy Officer | 0431 019 989