The New South Wales Government has introduced new planning controls that will increase access to crisis and temporary accommodation.
Exempt and complying development pathways will be made available to organisations, providers and government agencies that manage social and affordable housing to permit the use of certain homes as temporary accommodation.
Current planning controls often require a Development Application (DA) to allow the change of one existing land use to another, which means that vacant residential properties that could be utilised for crisis and temporary housing before they are repurposed or redeveloped, often sit empty for years.
Without the need for a DA, vacant buildings could be repurposed for temporary or crisis accommodation for those in need more quickly.
The need for emergency housing has grown in recent years and can include housing for women and children trying to leave a violent home but not having a safer option to go to, a sudden or unexpected change in a person’s circumstances or members of the community facing homelessness.
Temporary accommodation can offer people a safe home while they receive the support they need before finding a more permanent home.
New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said, “We don’t always talk about the lives that are impacted by unnecessary delays in the planning system, but this is one change that will mean vulnerable members of our community have greater access to safe housing.
“Exempt and complying development pathways offer a speedier approval without compromising on building or development standards for future tenants,” Minister Scully said.
“After all, these buildings were homes for people before they were vacated so they should be able to be repurposed to temporary emergency accommodation without extensive red tape.”
“Planning reform has the ability to support our most vulnerable getting into safe and accessible homes.”
New South Wales Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, said that a shift in someone’s financial or housing situation can happen without warning, which is why every area of government needs to work together to create immediate and enduring solutions.
“With so many homes sitting empty while people struggle to find shelter, these planning reforms are a practical, common-sense solution to help us get people off the social housing waitlist and into homes,” Minister Jackson said.
“Homelessness is not a personal failing.
“Many people are one bad job, one bad relationship, one climate disaster away from facing homelessness.
“Temporary housing provides a vital safety net, offering people a secure place to stay and the stability they need during times of sudden crisis or uncertainty.”
New South Wales Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said that access to temporary accommodation is crucial for women and children escaping domestic violence and sexual assault.
“The uncertainty and not knowing if they have somewhere to live, often becomes a barrier for women who are trying to leave a violent relationship,” Minister Harrison said.
“I welcome these changes to planning controls as it potentially opens up more safe spaces for women and children who make the courageous decision to leave abusive homes.
“This continues the work we are doing to boost support for victim-survivors as we address domestic and family violence in our state.”
