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Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 3 February 2009 STATE'S NEW HOUSING CODE GOES ON THE ROAD IN FEBRUARY A state-wide road show will provide NSW homebuilders with the latest information about the State Government’s new housing code, which can save 110 days and $6,500 per housing application. Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, said the new housing code will slash housing approval red tape, and the road show will be conducted in the lead up to the code’s introduction on February 27 2009. “The road show will show people how they can get their house approved within 10 days, instead of an average of 120 days under the current system,” Ms Keneally said. “There’s no point having legislation unless people understand it and the road show provides the opportunity for all interested residents, practitioners and council staff to ask questions, talk to the experts and get the facts. “The new Housing Code outlines how new single-storey detached houses, two-storey detached houses and home alterations on lots 450 sq/m and greater, can receive approval in ten days. “It also outlines how 41 different types of minor improvements, such as garden sheds or solar water heaters, can proceed without going through the formal development application process.” Ms Keneally said the new code would provide a much-needed boost to the housing industry in NSW, by providing faster and cheaper building approvals, benefiting the whole State. “The new Housing Code provides a ‘fast-track’ alternative to the current development application process for new homes,” Ms Keneally said. “The code protects neighbours’ rights through both building and privacy controls and will be subject to regular review during its first year to take into account local feedback, including the creation of local variations and exclusions.” The Housing Industry Association estimates the code will save home builders up to $6,500 in metropolitan area DA-related costs and $2,500 in regional areas.
The dates and venues for the 11 community sessions are as follows: DATE LOCATION 2 February 2009 Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford 3 February 2009 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Parramatta 4 February 2009 Almanda Function Centre, Liverpool 5 February 2009 Coffs Ex-Services Club, Coffs Harbour 9 February 2009 Armidale Town Hall, Armidale 12 February 2009 The Point Ramada Hotel, Ballina 16 February 2009 Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle 18 February 2009 Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh Sydney 19 February 2009 Dubbo RSL, Dubbo 24 February 2009 Novotel North Beach, Wollongong 25 February 2009 Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
For further information on specific venues, attendance registration forms and additional information on the NSW Housing Code go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/housingcode.
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