Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry told the hearing that delays caused by ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) appeals continue to act as a brake on housing supply.
"The reforms are the clearest sign yet that the Government understands the damage these appeals are doing to housing delivery - but it's vital that recognition is extended beyond public housing and health facilities to the full spectrum of development," Ms Berry said.
"Scaling these reforms to apply to all developments is key to unlocking much needed housing supply and boosting investment confidence," she said.
Ms Berry told the inquiry recent ABS data showed housing commencements in the ACT had fallen to their lowest level in decades, while waiting lists for public housing continue to grow.
"Our city is in the grip of a housing affordability and supply crisis, and yet we are allowing vexatious planning appeals to delay projects by months and even years," she said.
Calls to limit third-party appeals for developments were a key plank of the Property Council ACT & Capital Region's Election Platform released in August 2024.
"We've long advocated for fixing ACAT processes because the current system has allowed frivolous objections to stall housing projects, making Canberra's housing crisis even worse," Ms Berry said.
"We want to see fixed timeframes for appeal decisions, shorter windows for appeals to be lodged, and a serious look at limiting third-party appeals. We've also called for Lease Variation Charge disputes be referred to an independent expert, to speed up resolution and keep projects moving.
"Community input is vital, and we respect the right to be heard - but those voices are already part of the development assessment process.
"What we cannot support is a system that gives objectors a second bite of the cherry just to delay housing that meets strategic planning goals and community need.
"If we are serious about meeting housing targets and improving affordability, we need a planning system that rewards good projects, not one that lets them be derailed," she said.
