Too much consultation may not have helped NSW housing crisis

May 20, 2026 — 5:18pm

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Governments wrestle with the housing crisis, but some believe consultation and the multitude of jurisdictions have been unnecessary handbrakes on development.

Now, under a plan to overhaul and streamline consultation in NSW, a draft Community Participation Plan proposes to house 120 disparate council participation plans and community engagement processes in one statewide policy and give direct neighbours of low- and medium-density apartments only seven days’ notice before construction work begins.

Public exhibition and notifications would not be required for 16 types of residential development applications – including new single- and two-storey dwellings, dual occupancies, pools,........

© The Sydney Morning Herald