Thursday 8 December 2022
MEDIA RELEASE
INDUSTRY CONSULTATION KEY TO PROPER HOUSING SUPPLY AND NATURE POSITIVE OUTCOMES IN ENVIRONMENT LAW REFORM
The Property Council of Australia has today welcomed the Commonwealth Government's framework in response to the Samuels' Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and practical Ministerial engagement to date.
State and Federal delays and duplication have created poor outcomes for the environment and people who need a place to live over the past two decades. Property Council Policy Executive Mike Zorbas said consultation on the 2023 legislative program and proposed regional planning frameworks was essential to maximise investment certainty and environmental outcomes.
"The property industry will continue to work with all levels of government to provide homes for Australians and to advance outcomes for our precious natural environment," Mr Zorbas said.
"Governments have spent decades under-investing in data, process improvement and the preservation of land for conservation purposes. I urge the Commonwealth Government to closely consult industry on the proposed National Environmental Standards, and the regional planning frameworks in order to make this right.
"It is vital that the future National Environmental Standards lock in certainty for governments, proponents and communities.
"The Nature Positive Plan presents an opportunity to improve environmental outcomes while streamlining the approvals process. We look forward to engaging further with the Government and key stakeholders to put two decades of lost opportunity behind us," he said.
