Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Inner West Rezoning Plan Faces Raucous Forum as Council Weighs Affordable Housing Changes

A vote on the Fairer Future proposal is set for September 30 after a rain-soaked turnout left dozens outside the Ashfield Civic Centre.

Overview

  • The plan seeks 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.
  • Hundreds rallied at the community forum, with frequent interruptions inside, disputes over speaker order, and some residents turned away once the venue reached capacity.
  • The proposal sets an initial affordable housing requirement of roughly 2% of qualifying developments, rising toward about 5%, which opponents label insufficient.
  • Mayor Darcy Byrne said he is closely considering an increase to the affordable housing share before councillors decide on the plan next week.
  • Backers such as Sydney YIMBY argue that more supply will help essential workers and young people, while critics warn of infrastructure strain and note estimates that new apartments could average around $1.5 million.