Anyone thinking about purchasing a new-build property in the Northern Territory in the medium-term will want to keep one eye on a new proposal brought forward by the Country Liberals (CLP) that could change the approvals process for residential homebuilding.
Under this new plan, people will need to gain building approval from more than one government body, which critics say could create inconveniences and delays.
Earlier this week, (July 24) deputy chief minister Delia Lawrie announced her disfavour with the plan which she said will increase bureaucracy around planning approvals.
"Their announcement today now means that many housing projects will need to go through a new government agency, their new planning commission and the DCA before being approved.
"The CLP's plan is red tape madness and would drive up the price of housing and rents."
This is in conflict with the current government's efforts to speed up the process of getting building approvals, rather than hamper the process, she said.
The CLP asserts that if the party is successfully elected to power, it will "make it a priority" to even out the balance between land supply and demand.
According to the party's manifesto, the Northern Territory only trails Sydney when it comes to the most expensive median house prices in the nation - and Territorians pay the highest rents in the country. Proposed legislative changes are designed to address this disparity.
