A further eleven councils have been selected for an expansion of the Electronic Housing Code, which when operational will allow families to get their dream home approved in a few days.
“Once the code expansion is in place in these council areas, families will be able to get new home and home renovation approvals at the touch of a button,” Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard said.
“It’s part of our ongoing commitment to turn around the State’s severe housing shortfall left by the former government for the Coalition government to address.”
Mr Hazzard said the Electronic Housing Code (EHC) initiative will be expanded to Camden, Campbelltown, Coffs Harbour, Great Lakes, Holroyd, Kogarah, Penrith, Warringah, Willoughby, Wingecarribee and Wyong councils.
In the ten council areas where the EHC is currently operating, residents can get online housing approvals in less than a week. This compares to the average 63 day processing time if the EHC isn’t used and the applicant has to rely on the development application process.
The EHC is being implemented in conjunction with the NSW Local Government Association and Shires Associations.
LGA President, Cr Keith Rhoades said: “We commend the NSW Government for committing funding to expand the EHC, enabling it to include additional councils. I also congratulate all participating councils.”
Shires Association President, Cr Ray Donald, added: “We are pleased to have been a partner in this important project since its inception. Homebuyers, builders and councils will all benefit from a simpler and more efficient assessment system.”
Applications for a third expansion of the EHC will be issued later this year.
“I am pleased that these councils have agreed to come forward and work with the government to implement an online approval system either this year or next,” Mr Hazzard concluded.
To view the official media release please click here.