Councillors in Sydney’s Inner West have narrowly approved a contentious plan to rezone established suburbs, paving the way for up to 31,000 new homes over the next 15 years. The Inner West Council, led by Labor Mayor Darcy Byrne, voted 8-7 in favor of the Fairer Future proposal, which aims to increase housing density while addressing the pressing need for social and affordable housing.
The decision follows a heated public forum held in Ashfield, where both supporters and critics of the plan voiced their opinions. Attendees chanted “scrap the plan” as council members debated the proposal for several hours. Mayor Byrne emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “The shortage of affordable homes confronting the community is so deep, and so immediate, that now’s the time for action. If you do nothing, you’re going backwards.”
The plan arises amid ongoing discussions about residential development across Sydney. It seeks to replace an earlier state government proposal that aimed to introduce 7,800 new homes in five years. The new proposal suggests taller buildings, primarily between six and eleven storeys, with some reaching up to 22 storeys, situated around key transport hubs including Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Croydon, and Ashfield.
Critics, including members of the Greens party, have raised concerns about the plan’s requirement for affordable housing. Currently, only 2 percent of new homes are mandated to be affordable for low-income earners, a figure that opponents argue should be raised to 30 percent. In response, Mayor Byrne proposed amendments designed to improve the plan’s social housing provisions. These amendments include converting five council car parks into potential sites for 350 new homes and allowing faith-based organizations to develop residential projects contingent on including 30 percent social housing.
During the council meeting, Greens councillor Izabella Antoniou urged her colleagues to reconsider the proposal, emphasizing the need for a careful evaluation of the impact increased density will have on local infrastructure. She stated, “Currently, people do not trust us to actually deliver this uplift in density. More needs to be done to make sure we’re actually delivering for current and future residents.”
The council’s decision to endorse its own alternative plan has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Local resident Margo Cashman criticized the public forum as “nothing short of disgraceful,” alleging that the council had stacked the speaker list in favor of proponents of the plan.
In a recent conference organized by the HousingNow! lobby group, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns commented on the shifting attitudes towards residential development in Sydney. “I hope so, but my suspicion is we’re all on probation,” he remarked, acknowledging the community’s desire for new housing that is well-integrated with appropriate public amenities and infrastructure.
Adding to the discussion, Housing Minister Rose Jackson condemned those who oppose housing developments while simultaneously calling for more social and affordable housing. “It really frustrates me when people weaponize this incredibly important work against new housing delivery,” she said.
As the Inner West Council moves forward with its ambitious housing plan, the debate surrounding Sydney’s housing crisis continues, with the community watching closely to see how these developments will unfold in the coming years.
