Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit in Sydney today, Minister for Housing and Water Rose Jackson announced reforms to remove a key post-approval bottleneck that has delayed apartment projects by months and driven up holding costs, making development more expensive.
Dewatering - the process of safely removing groundwater from construction sites, particularly in coastal regions such as metropolitan Sydney - has become one of the most common hurdles apartment builders face once a development is approved - often taking months, causing cost and project timeline blowouts.
Under the changes, construction projects in large parts of the state - including many apartment developments - will no longer require a groundwater licence for short-term dewatering activities until June 2029.
Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the move would help to speed up apartment delivery and reduce costly red tape at a critical moment for housing supply.
"This is a smart, timely reform that tackles one of the most frustrating and unnecessary delays in the housing delivery process," Ms Stevenson said.
"By removing the licensing requirement for short-term dewatering, the government is helping apartment builders get out of the ground faster, reduce risk, and keep projects viable. It's a practical step that will have a real and immediate impact on supply.
"Minister Jackson and the Minns Government deserve credit for listening to industry and acting decisively. This sends a strong message that NSW is serious about breaking through the barriers to housing delivery.
"We've been working closely with the NSW Government and water agencies to drive changes that accelerate the supply of new housing. This is one of the first fruits of Housing Approvals Reform Action Plan and its timely delivery bodes well for the future. When government and industry work together, we can unlock the homes NSW desperately needs.
"Anyone building apartments in Sydney will tell you that once you get your DA, the clock starts ticking - and delays in dewatering approvals are one of the biggest frustrations in the system.
"Today's announcement means apartment builders can get on with the job faster, with more certainty and less red tape. It's exactly the kind of smart reform we need to accelerate housing delivery."
Eligible works are automatically exempt from needing a water licence; however, developers will still need to comply with the relevant water management rules and regulatory requirements throughout the course of construction.
