Region. Levy rise postponed

An expected rise in the levy paid by developers in Western Sydney to fund the cost of roads, bus depots and open space in the south-west and north-west growth areas has been postponed for six months pending a review. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard, said the government would ''examine the efficiency of the SIC (Special Infrastructure Contribution) and determine the best approach to supporting industry in building new homes''. It was supposed to rise from around $12,000 per home to $18,000 per home from July 1, when a concession introduced by the former Labor government. The NSW executive director, of the Property Council of Australia, Glenn Byres, welcomed the announcement.