A landmark housing proposal that could see 35,000 new homes built across Sydney’s Inner West has divided the community – with Greens councillor Izabela Antoniou warning the plan risks becoming “a gift to developers” unless stronger social housing targets are introduced.
The Inner West Council will vote on the Fairer Future housing plan, which would rezone major centres such as Ashfield, Marrickville, and Dulwich Hill, allowing buildings of up to 22 storeys near transport hubs.
Mayor Darcy Byrne says the move is essential to combat an “exodus” of young people and workers priced out of the area.
But the Greens argue the plan’s 2 per cent affordable housing target is far too low. Cr Antoniou said council had “one shot” to ensure value created for developers is reinvested into the community, calling instead for a 30 per cent requirement and a stronger commitment to public housing.
“With this modelling flagging an average unit cost being $1.5m, it’s more crucial than ever that our council not sell off public land and commit to building public housing,” Cr Antoniou said.
She cautioned that while more housing was welcome, how we build them, who benefits, and whether they’re truly affordable must remain central questions.
Proponents, including Sydney YIMBY chair Justin Simon, say the plan would help ease housing shortages and attract younger residents, while critics – joined by Action For Public Housing – vow to resist it if passed.
The council is expected to debate and vote on the plan this week amid one of the most heated local housing battles in years.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
