The Housing Supply Crisis: Blaming Local Councils

There are many reasons behind the current housing supply crisis, and the situation has been worsening for decades. While local councils can be blamed for slow decision-making, it would be unfair and misleading to place the blame solely on them. Federal and state governments, as well as developers, builders, and suppliers, also play significant roles in this crisis. Let's explore these factors and critically analyze the role of local councils and the Business Council of Australia (BCA).

The True Nature of the Crisis

The housing supply crisis is a multifaceted issue that has roots in decades of policy and regulatory failures. Local councils, despite their critical role in the land use and development process, are often portrayed as obstacles to progress. However, it is crucial to recognize that councils are but one cog in the machine. While the BCA acknowledges this, they still engage in what can be described as 'cheap and easy' council bashing as a means to generate public sentiment and pressure for change.

Who Really Holds the Power?

Both federal and state governments, as well as the private sector, have a significant impact on the housing market. Federal and state governments often set the frameworks and policies that shape the development of new housing. Similarly, developers, builders, and suppliers make decisions that directly influence the supply of new homes. However, these entities often prioritize profit over social responsibility, which can exacerbate the housing crisis.

Local Councils: Accountability and Representation

Local councils are often accused of being obstructionist and taking too long to make decisions. While these criticisms can be valid in some cases, it is also important to note the accountability mechanisms in place. Local councillors are directly elected by the community they represent. Their primary duty is to act in the interests of the ratepayers, which include all residents of their municipality.

Developers, on the other hand, have a singular focus on profit. They are less concerned with social cohesion and the broader community needs. Their business interests often do not align with public welfare. Notably, the BCA's recent statements accusing local councils of slowing down development can be seen as opportunistic and somewhat predatory. The BCA, in essence, acts as a lobby group for developers rather than a representative for the general public.

The BCA's latest attempts to single out local councils for blame seem to be part of a larger strategy to shift public opinion and political pressure. This approach not only distracts from the systemic issues that need addressing but also undermines the accountability of both local councils and the BCA.

Demanding a More Meaningful Approach

It is essential to ask the relevant questions and demand a more meaningful approach when dealing with the housing supply crisis. We need to consider the motivations behind actions taken by both local councils and developers. While local councils may face obstacles in their decision-making processes, developers often prioritize profit over the needs of the community. Residents, through their elected representatives, should have a say in how housing developments impact their neighborhoods.

The next time the BCA or developers attempt to blame local councils, we should ask ourselves: Have they genuinely engaged with the community to understand their needs and desires for responsible housing development? The answer in most cases is no. Instead, we rely on local councils to make decisions that align with the social and economic well-being of their constituents. If these entities are failing to act in the best interests of the community, they should be held accountable at the ballot box, not allowed to continue pursuing profit.

Conclusion

The housing supply crisis is a complex issue, and it requires a multifaceted approach to address it effectively. While local councils are often criticized, it is important to recognize that they are accountable to the wider community they represent. The BCA's recent attempts to blame local councils for the crisis appear opportunistic and misguided. It is time for a more substantive discussion on responsible housing development and for all stakeholders to take genuine steps towards resolving the crisis.