NSW Government Unveils New Dashboard to Boost Transparency in Building Approvals

The New South Wales (NSW) government has introduced a new initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the building approvals process, an essential move in its broader strategy to meet ambitious housing targets. The centrepiece of this effort is a real-time reporting dashboard that provides stakeholders—developers, builders, and the public—with data on how local councils are performing in processing building approvals.

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This initiative is a key part of NSW's commitment to delivering 377,000 homes by mid-2029 under the National Housing Accord. Accompanying the dashboard is a Statement of Expectations, which outlines performance standards and timelines for councils to adhere to during the approvals process. This approach holds councils accountable, ensuring they contribute effectively to the state's housing goals.

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The Master Builders Association of NSW (MBA) has welcomed the government’s push for a more reliable and predictable approval process. Brian Seidler, the MBA’s Executive Director, praised the initiative for enabling better access to information about potential delays in development applications, which will improve project coordination across the industry. Seidler also called for the initiative to be replicated nationwide.

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As part of a broader reform agenda, the NSW government is also expanding the powers of the Building Commissioner and introducing new licensing schemes for builders and designers working on commercial buildings. By improving transparency and enhancing regulatory measures, these reforms are expected to restore consumer confidence and boost the efficiency of the construction industry in NSW. Industry leaders are hopeful that the initiative will lead to faster, more efficient building approvals across the state.

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Read the full article here https://www.buildaustralia.com.au/news_article/nsw-government-launches-transparency-initiative-for-building-approvals/