News
October 03, 2025
WA building approvals have slowed. Are NIMBY councils to blame?
A WA developer has lamented the current process, stating he was frustrated there was “no care and accountability for timely processing” in the midst of a housing crisis.
**WA Building Approvals Have Slowed. Are NIMBY Councils to Blame?**
Western Australia's housing crisis continues, and a local developer is pointing the finger at local councils, claiming sluggish building approval processes are exacerbating the problem. The developer, speaking anonymously to avoid potential repercussions on future applications, expressed deep frustration with what he described as a lack of urgency and accountability in the approval process.
"We're trying to build homes, desperately needed homes, but it feels like we're running into a brick wall at every turn," he said. "There's simply no care and accountability for timely processing. We submit plans, we wait, we chase, and we wait some more. Meanwhile, people are struggling to find affordable housing."
His comments highlight a growing concern within the development industry that some local councils are dragging their feet on approving new housing projects, potentially due to "NIMBYism" – the "Not In My Backyard" mentality where residents oppose new developments in their area. This opposition can manifest in drawn-out consultation processes, demands for extensive revisions to plans, and ultimately, delays in approval.
The developer's frustration echoes broader concerns about the speed and efficiency of the WA planning system. While acknowledging the need for thorough assessment to ensure developments meet safety and environmental standards, critics argue that the current system is overly bureaucratic and lacks clear timelines and accountability mechanisms.
The slow pace of approvals is particularly concerning given the current housing shortage in WA. Rising interest rates and construction costs are already making it difficult for people to buy or rent homes, and delays in bringing new supply online only exacerbate the problem.
The WA government has been attempting to streamline the planning process, but progress has been slow. The developer's comments suggest that more needs to be done to ensure that local councils are playing their part in addressing the housing crisis. He argues for greater transparency and accountability in the approval process, as well as measures to incentivize councils to approve developments more quickly. The question remains whether NIMBYism is truly a driving force behind the delays, but the developer's frustration underscores the urgent need for solutions to expedite building approvals and address the growing housing crisis in Western Australia.
Western Australia's housing crisis continues, and a local developer is pointing the finger at local councils, claiming sluggish building approval processes are exacerbating the problem. The developer, speaking anonymously to avoid potential repercussions on future applications, expressed deep frustration with what he described as a lack of urgency and accountability in the approval process.
"We're trying to build homes, desperately needed homes, but it feels like we're running into a brick wall at every turn," he said. "There's simply no care and accountability for timely processing. We submit plans, we wait, we chase, and we wait some more. Meanwhile, people are struggling to find affordable housing."
His comments highlight a growing concern within the development industry that some local councils are dragging their feet on approving new housing projects, potentially due to "NIMBYism" – the "Not In My Backyard" mentality where residents oppose new developments in their area. This opposition can manifest in drawn-out consultation processes, demands for extensive revisions to plans, and ultimately, delays in approval.
The developer's frustration echoes broader concerns about the speed and efficiency of the WA planning system. While acknowledging the need for thorough assessment to ensure developments meet safety and environmental standards, critics argue that the current system is overly bureaucratic and lacks clear timelines and accountability mechanisms.
The slow pace of approvals is particularly concerning given the current housing shortage in WA. Rising interest rates and construction costs are already making it difficult for people to buy or rent homes, and delays in bringing new supply online only exacerbate the problem.
The WA government has been attempting to streamline the planning process, but progress has been slow. The developer's comments suggest that more needs to be done to ensure that local councils are playing their part in addressing the housing crisis. He argues for greater transparency and accountability in the approval process, as well as measures to incentivize councils to approve developments more quickly. The question remains whether NIMBYism is truly a driving force behind the delays, but the developer's frustration underscores the urgent need for solutions to expedite building approvals and address the growing housing crisis in Western Australia.
Category:
Politics