Government considers fast tracking Hunter private developments

The Hunter may benefit from the NSW Government’s decision to consider fast-tracking its approval system for public housing to include private sector developments.

The State Government has self-approved 427 public housing units in the Hunter Region in the past year under the fast-tracking of federal economic stimulus money.

The Hunter’s strong links to mineral resources means there is high demand for new housing.

Urban Taskforce chief executive Aaron Gadiel believes the private sector should have the same privilege as the public sector.

He said the greatest demand for housing in the area was for private housing.

“People want to own their own homes or rent privately, not from the Government,” he said.

An independent auditor will be appointed by the NSW government to evaluate the benefits and consequences of applying the new rules to major transport projects, significant commercial projects and appropriate residential projects.