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Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 9 April 2009 NEW PLAN FOR GREATER COMMERCIAL COMPETITION AND VIBRANT CENTRES Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today put forward a plan which is designed to promote investment and jobs in the retail and commercial development industry. Once finalised, after public and industry feedback and a formal submissions period, the policy will ensure the supply of commercial land exceeds the market’s demand, encouraging competition by allowing space for new businesses to open. It will also help stop uncontrolled sprawl of retail centres, a mistake which could cost Sydney alone an average of $1 billion per year over the next 20 years. “The retail and commercial sectors are the backbone of the modern NSW economy and a key contributor to the creation of the kinds of communities in which people want to live,” Ms Keneally said. “In 2007 the retail and commercial sectors contributed 41 per cent or $125 billion to the State’s economic growth, as well as 1.5 million jobs – almost half of all employment in this state. “The NSW Government can, should and must do what we can to provide a planning system which helps businesses and communities grow.” Ms Keneally said the planning system can be used to encourage competition and thereby business investment, or it can be used by companies to stop competitors moving nearby. “That’s a point which has been made in studies by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Productivity Commission, both of which stressed the need to ensure land use planning is not a barrier to market entry,” Ms Keneally said. “The challenge for the planning system is to create the right framework for new businesses to enter the market to keep competition strong, and that’s what this policy aims to do. “Once finalised, the Centres Policy will consolidate the Government’s position into one clear framework, and outline how this approach can be implemented on the ground.” Ms Keneally said the policy discourages uncontrolled sprawl of isolated, car-dependent retail areas. “This approach will avoid the massive costs associated with a much looser, more decentralised model as is commonly seen in the United States,” Ms Keneally said. “Such an approach in Sydney alone would significantly increase car travel and its associated impacts, leading to a reduction in NSW growth of up to $19.6 billion over a 20 year period. “By identifying and supporting centres we can ensure efficient use of infrastructure, provide jobs closer to home, and reduce car trips through co-location of retail with other facilities. “The Final Centres policy will establish a framework which allows creation of vibrant local and regional centres throughout this state where people want to live, work and shop.”
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