UPDATE: A pivotal vote this week has altered the future of Sydney’s Inner West region, approving a controversial housing plan allowing for up to 30,000 new homes over the next 15 years. In a narrow decision, eight out of fifteen councillors on the Inner West Council endorsed the Our Fairer Future plan despite vocal opposition.
The approval came after a tense debate in council chambers on Tuesday evening, marked by interruptions from community members opposing the plan. Mayor Darcy Byrne championed the initiative, stating it would “reverse the exodus of young people, renters, and essential workers” from the area. He emphasized the plan’s potential to provide homes for future generations.
“For far too long, local governments have put off action,” Byrne declared. “As of last night, we have adopted an ambitious plan that will see the delivery of between 20,000 and 30,000 homes over the next 15 years.” The plan includes provisions for residential buildings reaching up to 20 storeys, as well as amendments to enhance affordable housing requirements.
However, the plan faced fierce opposition from the Greens party, which voted against it. Councillor Izabella Antoniou criticized the council for not maximizing the opportunity to require developers to allocate 30 percent of homes as affordable, settling instead on a mere 3 percent.
The passage of the Our Fairer Future plan was not guaranteed, with many community voices expressing concerns over housing affordability. Activists and residents, including Antoniou, argued that the rezoning would disproportionately benefit developers without significantly improving housing access for locals.
Notably, the plan underwent significant changes before its final approval. Initial proposals included a public exhibition phase, but the passed version was amended to align more closely with the City of Sydney’s Affordable Housing Contributions Program. Developers will now need to set aside 20 percent of new floor space for affordable housing, with council carparks potentially redeveloped to accommodate up to 351 affordable homes.
One of the most groundbreaking amendments permits church and faith groups to redevelop their land for residential purposes, contingent upon dedicating 30 percent for affordable housing. The revised plan reduces potential home development in Marrickville, Ashfield, and Dulwich by about 5,000 homes, redistributing them to the Parramatta Rd corridor, where an additional 8,000 homes are earmarked for development.
Looking ahead, Mayor Byrne emphasized collaboration with the NSW government to implement the plan swiftly. He expressed confidence that the government would uphold their agreement to adopt the council’s planning controls, moving away from previous density-focused projects.
Despite the council’s approval, opposition groups remain undeterred. Activists, including Rachel Evans from Action For Public Housing, vowed to continue their fight against the plan. “We are not just going to walk away after such a narrow vote,” Evans stated, announcing plans for a rally and community outreach to mobilize local residents against the development.
As the plan awaits final approval from the Department of Planning, the community remains divided, with many advocating for a more equitable approach to housing that prioritizes affordability for all residents. The situation in Sydney’s Inner West is evolving rapidly, and further developments are expected as both supporters and opponents gear up for the next phase of this contentious battle.
