Overview

• Hundreds rallied at Ashfield Civic Centre with frequent interruptions inside, and dozens were turned away to an overflow room once the venue reached capacity.
• The Fairer Future proposal targets about 31,000 new homes over 15 years by rezoning parts of Ashfield, Croydon, Marrickville and Dulwich Hill for buildings up to 22 storeys near town centres and transport hubs.
• The plan mandates 2% affordable housing on qualifying projects, rising to 5% over four years at 80% of market rent, a level many speakers criticised as inadequate.
• A council feasibility estimate of roughly $1.5 million per new apartment fueled doubts that the dwellings will be attainable for young residents and essential workers.
• Mayor Darcy Byrne said the council is considering lifting the affordable component before an Extraordinary Council meeting on September 30 and argued taller buildings than the state TOD limits are needed for viability.