bureaucracy
hides behind a decision to ban a project with a couple of hundred jobs on the
hope a Growling Grass Frog will hop by one day, or an Orange Bellied Parrot might
fly over in the next few years, was now up.
"Political parties need to develop policies
and guidelines for environmental assessment on a triple bottom system with environmental,
social and economic considerations which provides certainty".
"This
would take into account situations such as the expenditure of $500,000 on a couple
of hectares for the supposed growling grass frog to hop through, or put the money
into a community centre."
Mr
De Domenico said it is significant that both the Federal Government and the Opposition
have recognised the major impact that these excessive, poorly administered green
tape laws have had on Australia's productivity, especially in the residential
housing sector and ultimately on jobs.
"The
current confused regulatory approach to environment issues in the property and
development areas is destroying the credibility of environmental policies through
the lack of a strategic approach with hide and seek decision making."
"Projects
can be delayed for years with green tape and the cost being passed on to first
home buyers who, despite struggling to get into the housing market and battling
rising costs of living, are in reality being slugged with a hidden green tape
tax that is added to their mortgage."
Mr De Domenico said, "In Victoria the
development industry directly employs around 310,000 full time employees, contributes
around 12 per cent of the state's gross domestic product and contributes $4.6
billion in taxes to all tiers of government".
"Nearly
a quarter of a house and land package is in federal, state and local taxes / charges
and there has been a $13,500 rise in taxes and charges - $125 a week, on an average
block of land in just two years."
Mr
De Domenico said, both the Federal Government and the Opposition should do a rapid
review of red tape and green tape policies in these tough economic times as part
of the stimulus package for the housing and development industry to kick start
a boost to employment.
Media Enquiries:
Ron
Smith, Corporate Media Communications, UDIA (VIC) Mobile: 0417 329
201
