Industry group says private developments should receive same protections as public housing
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has backed an ACT government proposal to limit third-party appeals on certain public housing developments, but is calling for the changes to apply to private housing projects as well.
The group was scheduled to appear before the Standing Committee on Environment, Planning, Transport and City Services on Tuesday to discuss the Planning (Territory Priority Projects) Amendment Bill.
Greg Weller (pictured above), HIA executive director for ACT and Southern NSW, said that delays caused by appeals affect all housing supply, not just government-built homes. “If public housing developments are being unfairly held up by appeals and deserve a fix, then comparable private housing developments should be treated the same way,” he said.
Weller pointed to the broader housing shortage and argued that unnecessary delays in approvals, regardless of project type, are worsening the crisis.
“We are in a housing crisis,” he said. “There should not be avoidable and unnecessary hurdles being put in the way of new housing projects of any type. If it is unfair to members of the community on a public housing waiting list to have their future residence delayed by a vexatious appeal, then it is equally unfair to a private owner.”
Weller also addressed criticism surrounding the bill, rejecting claims that it would remove public oversight from the planning process.
“It is disappointing how much misinformation there has been around this bill,” he said. “This would not mean there is no process or scrutiny on developments, far from it. Applications will still be notified, and the community will still be able to participate in the development approval process.”
He said housing developers should be confident that once planning approval is granted, their projects won’t be held up further. He also stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in the planning system and avoiding unnecessary legal intervention.
“We must have trust in our planning authority and not let tribunals or courts become a de facto approvals process,” Weller said. “That trust in our professional planning staff is warranted, as decisions are transparent with reasons published.”
Weller also highlighted recent figures showing a significant downturn in home approvals across the Territory. Only 680 detached houses were approved in 2024 – the lowest annual figure in over five decades. Multi-unit approvals also dropped, with just 1,500 new apartments and townhouses cleared, the weakest result since 2009.
“Every new home that gets built is important,” he said.
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