The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, has welcomed changes to the state’s planning system which will make it easier for homes to be built closer to where people work and recreate.

The NSW Government today announced a pilot program to explore how the state can more directly support the housing industry to secure finance.

There is also $253.7 million for planners and technology to speed up the assessment of development applications, including the use of artificial intelligence. 

“Business owners are struggling to secure the labour they need – especially in Sydney – largely because of a chronic lack of affordable housing close to workers’ place of employment,” Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said.

“Measures like the financing new dwellings will help affordability and unleash the untapped potential of the NSW economy.

“Business NSW has long supported incorporating artificial intelligence into the planning system to help speed up approvals and create a better built environment. We welcome the NSW Government’s embrace of this new era of planning and housing delivery.”