Decreasing the number of councils that operate in NSW will benefit the state by improving the planning system, according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales. REINSW President Malcolm Gunning said by reducing the number of councils in NSW from 152 we will see a decline in the local politics that adversely effects planning.

“Council amalgamations will elevate councils above the local politics which currently hampers housing developments and local planning," said Gunning. “Planning should be assessed on its objective value to the state and the area rather than being driven by a minority, which is often the case at this level of government. For too long a small group of people have been able to control the fate of many councils and have stalled the development of essential projects. It is time for progress to be allowed and a fairer system for all."

The NSW government wants to restructure councils by September 2016. Submissions from local councils closed yesterday, and will now be assessed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.