This paper examines the tension between urban policy and reform at all levels of Australian government, with reference to the alignment, or misalignment, of urban policy aspirations and reform to regulatory systems and processes.

This paper presents early findings from a larger study which aims to establish a more comprehensive framework for measuring planning performance in relation to housing supply and affordability outcomes and more widely.

This study represents a first step in establishing a qualitative understanding of the ways in which planning regulation has impacted on housing developments across 15 local jurisdictions in three Australian states. The findings confirm that planning system complexity and ambiguity is associated with significant costs for housing development in Australia. Image: Andrew Scott / flickr

To what extent do local planning frameworks promote sustainable growth and change in Australian cities and regions? This paper begins to address this question with reference to the results of an online survey of more than 100 NSW local environmental plans, undertaken between August 2007-2008.

The residential development industry, both in Australia and in the United States, has made strident protests about the direct and indirect costs associated with the planning process – from complying with building and design controls to the time taken to secure approval and contributions towards local infrastructure.