Ms Karen Kenny:

Under the current NPF, we have undertaken extensive work in the past number of years regarding compact settlements and published the guidelines on sustainable residential development and compact settlement in January 2024. Those guidelines were very much prepared in consultation with industry and various stakeholders. Part of the adjustment made with regard to density and housing standards, while intended to promote a compact growth approach, was focused on allowing for flexibility in design in order that there were greater options available, for example, for mid-rise, medium-density housing typologies that would be more affordable to deliver within inner urban areas or at the fringes of city cores so that this would allow for a move away at the right locations from apartment developments, which can be expensive or unviable to deliver in certain locations. Under the umbrella of the NPF, we have already undertaken extensive work within that area and that is certainly being reflected within the policies included in this updated draft revised NPF.