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22 March 2024

In this Edition... 

1. “Coward’s castle” – NSW Shadow Attorney General using Parliamentary Privilege to besmirch reputations to try to undermine planning reforms is irresponsible and given the housing supply crisis, shameful
2. Urban Taskforce – “opposing immigration is economic madness”
3. No place for racist dog whistling in housing debate
4. While NIMBYs resort to scare campaigns, YIMBY Melbourne and Sydney YIMBY hold lectures on Urbanism
5. New Deputy Secretary of the Development Assessment and Infrastructure division in DPHI eager for more work and planning reform
   STOP PRESS
6. Latest GST carve out leaves a fiscal hole for NSW – Treasurer Daniel Mookhey should look at the economic stimulus (and state revenue) of backing new housing
7. Laxalle’s legacy?
8. Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan- NSW proposes minor ‘enhancements’ -  but Commonwealth needs to get moving on approval
9. Green shoots for the NSW Government’s affordable housing bonuses?
10. Housing supply must be central to NSW Government’s wellbeing Budget
11. Planning reforms must leave no stone unturned
12. Coronation Property’s Main and Maison official opening
13. Victoria axes stamp duty on industrial and commercial property
14. Senator Sharma – housing supply crisis is a breach of social compact with younger generations
15. Council Watch
16. Members in the news

1. “Coward’s castle” – NSW Shadow Attorney General using Parliamentary Privilege to besmirch reputations to try to undermine planning reforms is irresponsible and given the housing supply crisis, shameful

On top of coward’s castle, MP for Wahroonga, Alister Henskens SC, MP

It was good to see a prompt response from the ICAC on allegations aired in Parliament by Alister Henskens, the Shadow Attorney General and Member for Wahroonga whose electorate coincidentally enough has been identified as able to accommodate more well located housing.

ICAC stated on Monday that there was “no evidence of corrupt conduct” by the Planning official referred to in a Private Member’s Statement by the Member for Wahroonga.  

To read the ICAC statement, click the following link:

ICAC | Statement regarding allegations concerning Ms Katie Joyner

This smear campaign was driven by the desire to undermine the government’s planning reforms -the low and medium density reforms that will allow for some increased height around town centres and transport nodes, and the soon to be released new Transport Oriented Development (TOD) SEPP.

It seems the politics of NIMBYism will stop at nothing to undermine the Minns Government’s planning reforms, even the reckless besmirching of a bureaucrat (using parliamentary privilege as a ‘free kick’ to do so).

Parliamentary Privilege needs to be used carefully, not as an opportunity to promote a political campaign against more housing in your electorate. The ICAC found no evidence of corrupt conduct.

As Minister Paul Scully said, the assessment and judgement of Mr Henskens of a “highly circumstantial case” has proved nothing more than a baseless political attack.

The Minister lined up the NSW Opposition in Question Time this week:

To read Minister’s Scully responses in Parliament to the Opposition’s attacks on Planning officials, the planning system and other questions on housing, click the following links:

Parliament NSW |Housing Supply

Parliament NSW | Planning System

2. Urban Taskforce – “opposing immigration is economic madness”

Calls from some quarters to cut immigration is myopic and cynical, with some using it to try to block housing supply.

The future of the economy, the funding of decent health care and aged care – the very future of our ageing population, is predicated on these population inflows and the tax inflows which follow them.

CEO Tom Forrest defended the need for immigration as a requirement to boost productivity and care for the boomer tidal wave about to hit the economy, but he slammed the Commonwealth for sleeping at the wheel when it comes to housing supply.

What’s needed to address the housing supply crisis is more housing supply.  We need the Commonwealth to get on board and all eyes will be on Jim Chalmers’ budget in May.

To watch the 10 News First story on immigration levels, click the link below:

Sydney News - 15 Mar 2024 - Network Ten - clip starts at 11min 10sec. 

3. No place for racist dog whistling in housing debate

The SMH ended last week’s housing debate with a strong editorial on the use of racially loaded terms such as ghettos.

Along with block renders deliberately meant to deceive (a la Waverley at Bondi Beach) and some digital mischief (such as the wall of skyscrapers on the Northern Beaches courtesy ofthe MP for Pittwater), the use of such terms casts a pall over the debate that will be had over delivering the housing that Sydney needs.

We have the Mayor of Fairfield claiming Western Sydney is about to be turned into Calcutta, while a Parramatta independent councillor is warning of “ghettos” in Rosehill.  Such language is appalling.

Full credit to the SMH editor for calling out some of the tactics by the anti-development brigade:

Racist dog whistling is a disturbing turn in the housing debate

The interesting aspect of the worldwide NIMBY movement is that it is largely confined to the English-speaking world – Australia, England, the US and Canada. Fears of white populations being overrun by immigrants has a long, sad history in Australia.

All sides of politics need to reject statements which speak to a darker side within society – we must oppose racism dressed up as NIMBYism.

4. While NIMBYs resort to scare campaigns, YIMBY Melbourne and Sydney YIMBY hold lectures on Urbanism

Well worth a watch is a series of lectures hosted by YIMBY Melbourne about building better, more beautiful, more community enhancing buildings along with a critique of the uncertainty and risk still embedded in our State’s planning systems.

When the NSW Premier talks about the Parisian boulevards, this is the urban planning and architectural thinking behind it.

Many flock to soak up the atmosphere of European cities, yet our planning systems resile from many of the principals underpinning these cities.

Sydney YIMBY also held a fact-filled evening on the need for transport oriented development and more density for Sydney’s missing middle. Again it featured considered presentations from architects with expertise around urbanism.

YIMBYs holding symposia with industry experts, while NIMBYs resort to scare campaigns. Draw your own conclusions.

To watch the YIMBY Melbourne lectures, click the following link:

Unbanning Beauty: with Kerstin Thompson, Andrew Maynard, & Colleen Peterson - Urban Optimism 02 - YouTube

To peruse Sydney YIMBY’s Urbanism Talk, click on their ‘X’ feed:

X | Sydney YIMBY

The tide is turning against NIMBYs and its time the politicians took note, or they risk losing the support of an entire, growing, generation.

5. New Deputy Secretary of the DPHI's Development Assessment and Infrastructure Division eager for more work and planning reform

An update from David this week set out the priorities for his Division including:

Urban Taskforce has consistently maintained the NSW Planning Department is best placed to deal with complex, high value, high yield developments.

Which is why we have written to the NSW Government strongly recommending more funding in the upcoming NSW budget to rebuild capacity and capability in Planning to enable it to process SSD applications in a timely fashion.

Once expertise and experience builds, problems ironed out, and hopefully an enhanced budget in the upcoming NSW Budget, the Development Assessment team should be looking for more work – reducing thresholds to be considered SSD, as well as exploring other options to get the housing so desperately needed.

We look forward to working with him and his team ensuring the success of the Government’s reforms and to deliver much needed housing.

Word is that while Planning are hitting their straps in terms of assessment timeframes, they are being delayed by other Government agencies, like TfNSW, who appear not to have heard the Premier’s message that addressing housing supply is one of his key priorities.

STOP PRESS

While the planning assessment team is kicking goals, a long broom has been put through DPHI as Secretary Fishburn makes her mark. 

Details are expected to be made public soon but it is understood that the staff that are to be “displaced” have been advised and some have already left the building (so to speak).

Big changes have hit the policy development space, the GCC is now all but gone, and up to half the Executive Directors and Directors are looking for new roles.  There are some familiar names departing and not everyone will support every change, but there is no doubt that major culture change was needed and this shake up sends a very clear message.

Planners must facilitate growth, not frustrate it.

6. Latest GST carve out leaves a fiscal hole for NSW – Treasurer Daniel Mookhey should look at the economic stimulus (and state revenue) of backing new housing

They say (well, Federal Treasurers say) never get between a State Treasurer and a bucket of money.

The Commonwealth Grants Commission has given NSW a very rough deal  - but after the obligatory teeth gnashing and wringing of hands (and strong rebuke from Tim Pallas, Victoria’s State Treasurer) – the NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey needs to look at ways of generating more revenue.

We politely suggest more housing as a way of filling the Government coffers. Kill two birds with one stone.  Boost housing supply and reap the economic returns.

Just as a back of envelop – if NSW met its annual National Housing Accord targets - we think this would bring in an additional $605 million per annum in revenue. * 

* based on:

1. Current new dwelling completions in NSW of 48,000, and the Housing Accord Target of 76,000 new dwelling per annum (so an additional 28,000 new dwellings per annum)
2. average sale price of $750,000 with a stamp duty bill of $28,815;
3. 25 % of those purchases exempt from paying stamp duty (e.g. first home buyers exempt due to the Minns Government’s stamp duty waivers)

More housing means more employment – and there would be a healthy kick to payroll tax receipts as well!

The Treasurer has been a strong supporter of housing supply. The recent Grants Commission decision should only increase his enthusiasm for the new housing that could be delivered through planning reform, cutting red tape and removing other obstacle to delivering housing.

7. Laxalle’s legacy?

A once stylish icon of pride for the people of Ryde, their model post war civic centre, a classic of the modernist tradition, was demolished by Ryde Council.

Ryde Council ran the building into the ground. 

But worse, the Heritage Council let them do it.  While an interim Heritage Order was applied, it was removed and Council hot-footed their way to its demolition.

If a developer allowed a building of such heritage significance to be run into the ground, they would be held to account. The Heritage Council are happy to smash development and housing supply, but if you are a local Council, it’s Rafferty’s rules!

Now they are left with a $20 million hole in the ground and an ICAC inquiry.

Where was the Government Architect?  Where were the Heritage Council? Why wasn’t this building protected and saved?

Why did the former Mayor of Ryde’s drive so hard to destroy a classic mid-20th Century heritage asset that the former NSW Government Architect, Chris Johnson described as “post WWII modernism which reflected optimism and pride for the place of civic administration in Ryde”?

While a park might be nicer than the giant concrete toilet bowl that was proposed, the fact is the Ryde Civic Centre should never have been destroyed. 

Some Councillors are seeking to distance themselves from the decision now. Yet anyone who supported this shameful disgrace should resign from public life and prepare for the ICAC inquiry.

The people of Ryde have a chance to express their frustrations at the upcoming Council elections.  They also have their chance to vote on the future of Jerome Laxalle at the forthcoming Federal election (he got out of Ryde Council as fast as he could after overseeing this wonderful building’s demise).

Ironically, former Mayor Laxalle has joined the Commonwealth Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design! Has he seen the light, or is he hell-bent on destroying the rest of the publicly owned vestiges of 20^th century architecture?

To read the latest on Ryde Council’s internecine battles all tracing back to the $20 million hole, click the following link:

*Please note this article may be paywall protected. 

SMH | ‘Rats in the camp’: Fury as mayor replaced amid fight over $20 million crater

8. Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan- NSW proposes minor ‘enhancements’ -  but Commonwealth needs to get moving on approval

The NSW Government has released its eagerly awaited “enhancements” of the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP).

In positive news, the total certified land earmarked for development in the CPCP has not changed, and will provide up to 73,000 new homes, while at the same time flora and fauna and providing green open space for residents. The plan will also help deliver jobs and infrastructure.

The CPCP paves the way for homes to be built across four nominated growth areas and transport corridors: Greater Macarthur, Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek, Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Wilton.

The Department will undertake further consultation of with stakeholders on the updated planning controls before considering changes to the Biodiversity and Conservation SEPP 2021.

The CPCP has been prepared to meet biodiversity approvals under both the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Commonwealth Government needs to approve the Plan to allow development that may affect species listed under the legislation it administers.

Without the green light from the Commonwealth, construction of new housing tied up in the CPCP cannot proceed. With the National Housing Accord about to commence, the Federal Environment Minister holding back new housing in Sydney’s south west is not a good look.

To read the release from the Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, and the Minister for Planning Paul Scully, click the following link:

Media Release | $100 million to increase biodiversity protection and deliver certainty for housing

To read a detailed Q&A on the proposed ‘enhancements’ click the following  link:

Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan enhancements | nsw.gov.au

9. Green shoots for the NSW Government’s affordable housing bonuses?

Roxy Pacific's site at 33 Argyle St, Parramatta

Urban Taskforce understands there are a number of developments around Sydney seriously looking at the Minns Government’s affordable housing bonuses.

Roxy Pacific is looking at the incentives for its development in Parramatta – potentially lifting the height of the building from 62 to 80 storeys.

This would be a win-win – more market-based housing, more affordable housing – all located less than 500 metres from Parramatta Station.

Parramatta City Council at this stage does not have its own affordable housing levy place (although is considering such a contribution scheme in certain parts of the LGA). As such there is no “double dip” that could undermine the feasibility of development.

If it emerges that local affordable housing levies are breaking the feasibility of delivering more market and affordable housing, the Minns Government must act swiftly to remove this obstacle to more housing.

Local affordable housing levies have been a failure – all they have done is prevented more housing across the board.

10. Housing supply must be central to NSW Government’s wellbeing Budget

Housing supply should be the cornerstone of the NSW Government’s wellbeing budget

Amidst a deteriorating housing supply crisis, the NSW Government must make housing supply and access to housing a key cornerstone of their framework for a new “Performance and Wellbeing budget”.

While the Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos MLC, has referred to housing as a key service delivery area, it must incorporate all types of housing, not just the Government’s responsibility of social housing – less than 5% of the new housing needed to meet demand.

The government should be wary – a similar move by Jacinda Ardern in NZ, who brought in a such a model, saw them completely fail on every count. After being an international rock-star for a period, she was judged by her performance against her new budget measures. 

Similar scorecards have not done much for closing the gap outcomes between prospects for first nations people.  All we say is … be careful and keep your eye on the basics – the economy.

Nonetheless, if this is to be real in any sense, housing supply, housing affordability and rental availability must be a key part of the mix.  Housing is the most basic contributor to human happiness and wellness. But rather than wait for the new Wellbeing Budget to tell us there is a crisis – let’s get on with fixing it now!

The new framework will be referred to the NSW Upper House's Public Accountability Committee for an inquiry and public hearings.

To read the Minister for Finance’s media release, click the link below:

NSW Government | New ‘Performance and Wellbeing Framework’ to improve budget transparency and social outcomes

It comes on the week of the World Happiness Report, which found that according to its metrics happiness fell significantly in Australia by twice as much for the young as for the old.

To read the report, click the following link:

World Happiness Report 2024

The Guardian’s article draws a line between a decrease in wellbeing amongst younger generations and the housing supply criris: 

11.  Planning reforms must leave no stone unturned

In our submission to the Government on the low to mid rise reforms, Urban Taskforce recommended that the Government expand the reforms to include land owned by churches and not for profits that are not zoned residential.

SP zones are generally well-located within urban areas proximate infrastructure and services that seniors housing benefits from, such as hospitals and health facilities. It makes sense, therefore, that the low and mid-rise housing provisions are expanded to apply to zones in accessible areas that allow for seniors housing.

Urban Taskforce, Low to mid rise reforms submission, February 23, 2024

It was ironically pleasing to see the former Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, argue in the AFR the role that faith-based groups and not for profits could provide.

Urban Taskforce goes further and argues that this should apply to all developers, particularly those who could have delivered more seniors housing on the urban fringes of Sydney, if Mr Stokes hadn’t summarily ruled out such development from occurring when he was Minister for Planning.

Urban Taskforce letter to Planning, 9 September 2020 

No stone should be left unturned in looking at housing opportunities.

To read the article on the role that can be played by churches and not-for-profits in helping address the housing supply crisis and other challenges such as an ageing demographic, click the following link:

*Please note this article may be paywall protected.

AFR |The zoning tweak that could deliver 20,000 new homes in Sydney

12. Coronation Property’s Mason and Main official opening

If the Government wants to see what can be achieved through transport oriented development, they need look no further than Mason and Main.

CEO of Urban Taskforce, Tom Forrest, was honoured to attend the official opening of the development. Well done Coronation and we look forward to tracking the progress of this great addition to a thriving part of Sydney’s west.

Mason & Main, Merrylands

To read the Daily Telegraph’s coverage of the opening, click the link below:

*Please note this article may be paywall protected.

Stage one of Mason and Main apartments at Merrylands opens | Daily Telegraph

13.  Victoria axes stamp duty on industrial and commercial property

Any economist in the land will tell you, replacing stamp duty with a land tax is a productivity boosting, economic generating, job creating bonanza.

The reform is expected to add thousands of jobs to Victoria’s economy and boost the state economy by $50 billion in cumulative net present value over the next 40 years.

This is a direct challenge to the NSW Government, which to date has backed away from long term land tax reform. This will give Victoria a competitive edge when it comes to attracting business investment.

Well done Victoria! Next step will be to expand on this reform to incorporate residential. The Commonwealth could help by offering States like Victoria financial support should they undertake such critical tax reform, in the same vein that National Competition Payment were made to the States.

To read the release from the Victorian Treasurer, click the following link:

Media Release - Stamp Duty reforms to back Victorian businesses

14. Senator Sharma – housing supply crisis is a breach of our social compact with younger generations

15. Council Watch

Willoughby Council

Some nervous types up Willoughby way. Protected by the former Government for 12 years, Willoughby has an affordable housing policy that has prevented both affordable and market housing, a commercial core policy for Chatswood which has blocked mixed used in one of the best connected parts of Sydney (with billions thrown its way on public transport dollars) and has so far escaped being designated a Tier One or Two TOD (for reasons which we are still unclear).

Now comes the ‘threat’ of low and mid-rise, and Willoughby has followed Inner West Council's lead and published maps showing where the most modest of reforms could occur.

Not crude renders or dog whistling, but still designed to scare existing residents.

Again, it is critical for the NSW Government to get housing targets out to contextualise the numbers needed from each LGA. Nevertheless, Willoughby Council must do way more – the current 5 year target of 1,600 new dwellings is both appalling and ridiculous.

To read the Daily Telegraph’s coverage of consternation down Willoughby Council way, click the following link:

*Please note this article may be paywall protected. 

The Daily Telegraph | New mapping reveals where 13,153 homes, units could be built under NSW planned density overhaul

16. Members in the News

*Please note, the links used below may be paywall protected.

 

“Sekisui House Australia has filed precinct plans aimed at revitalising the formerly industrial outskirts of Parramatta…" read more… 

The Urban Developer, March 19
 

“… Development group Coronation Property opened the Mason and Main development in the heart of the suburb on Monday when the ribbon was cut on 434 build-to-rent units…" read more… 

The Daily Telegraph, March 19
 

“… Lendlease Australia CEO Dale Connor backed the fast-tracking of visas for tradies…”

“… George Tadrosse, CEO of major Western Sydney apartment developer Aland, said he was supportive of a boost in skilled migration in the construction sector…" read more…

AFR, March 19
 

“… Deicorp has unveiled plans for the biggest precinct in its 1620-home development next to the Hills Showground metro station…" read more...

The Urban Developer, March 20