Will Baird and Berejiklian do good things for NSW planning?

Mike Baird's election as Premier of New South Wales has the Urban Taskforce suggesting that this may be a boost for the state’s economy, but that it may also have a significant effect on planning.

CEO of Urban Taskforce, Chris Johnson, said that as Treasurer, Baird did well with the state’s economy and this is a good platform to build from.

“The NSW government had become too bogged down in reviews and committees,” said Johnson.

He said that Baird needs to demonstrate leadership and a “can do” approach.

“Barry O’Farrell gave sound leadership to NSW over the last three years but his term was marked by a cautious approach with many potential reforms being slowed down.”

He also pointed to Gladys Berejiklian’s election as Deputy Leader as a potential positive, pointing to a required focus.

“Clearly issues like the sale of the poles and wires can now be rethought and hopefully a new look at the unresolved planning reforms can occur,” he said.