Summary
Highlights
The meeting begins with an acknowledgment of country, confirming all councilors are present. The Mayor informs attendees that proceedings are broadcast live on YouTube and recorded. A statement of ethical obligations is read, and councilors are reminded to disclose conflicts of interest. A procedural motion is passed to allow councilors more speaking time and questions due to the complexity of the agenda. Another procedural motion is passed to permit filming and photography by media representatives.
Multiple councilors, including Blake, Tasten, Atkins, Bolo, Antonu, Reciti, MRI, the Deputy Mayor, Ferguson, Howard, Clay, Scott, Carlile, Darenzo, and the Mayor, declare pecuniary interests related to Item One: 'Post Exhibition Our Fairer Future Plan - Council's Approach for New Housing in the Inner West'. Most declare an interest due to their principal residence being within areas identified in the plan, while others, like Carlile and MRI, declare significant interests in specific localities (Marrickville, St. Peters, Habfield, Lykart, Rozelle) and state they will recuse themselves during discussions and voting on those particular matters. Some have associates with property interests, leading to non-pecuniary interest declarations.
The Mayor moves the officer's recommendation for Item One with a series of amendments. He thanks council staff, especially the Director of Planning and Councillor Darenzo, for their extensive work. The proposed amendments focus on: noting independent economic advice regarding affordable housing contributions and development scale, securing 220 new social housing units in Camperdown, adopting City of Sydney's affordable housing principles (2% initially, moving to 3% after 3 years on private land in upzoned areas), considering a 1% affordable housing contribution on non-residential land, and including a 20% affordable housing contribution for additional proposed floor space beyond baseline provision in upzoned areas. Other provisions include converting five identified council car parks to social housing (351 homes), allowing conversion of church-owned lands for residential development with a 30% social housing requirement, and seeking a compact with the NSW government for 1,000 new social housing dwellings. It also endorses public domain and infrastructure works as indicative concepts, subject to review.
Councillor Darenzo seconds the motion and speaks passionately about the plan's importance. She highlights the need for housing reform, acknowledging Sydney's high cost of living and the exodus of residents. She praises community input and staff's dedication. She emphasizes that the plan is a foundation to address the housing crisis by increasing density in a well-planned manner, ensuring quality builds, and collaborating to fund infrastructure, while protecting the unique character of the Inner West.
Councillor MRI proposes an amendment to defer the decision on Phase One of the plan until Phase Two is complete and the community has been consulted on the draft Phase Two plan. He expresses concerns about the plan's overreach into residential areas, inconsistent application of uplift across shopping strips, abandonment of parking, lack of open consultation, and the public domain strategy being a draft. He also suggests that a greater focus should be on NSW public housing sites. The Mayor rules this as a foreshadowed motion, to be debated only if the primary motion is defeated.
Councillor Antonu seeks clarification on the 20% affordable housing contribution (5C) for proposed floor space. The Director of Planning clarifies that while the council would review the City of Sydney's feasibility, they would conduct their own assessment appropriate for the Inner West. It is confirmed that this provision would be investigated in Stage Two, not immediately implemented upon the plan's adoption for Stage One.
Councillor Carlile moves several amendments for Ashfield: first, to incorporate the Iron Cove sub-precinct into the review of the Croydon housing investigation area with Burwood Council for consistent planning. Second, to remove proposed uplift in parts of the Western Spine and Southern Village sub-precincts (south of Norton Street and west of Shepherd Street), reverting to existing controls, as these areas are outside 800m zones and already mixed-density. Third, to remove uplift and retain existing planning controls for specific heritage properties on Bruce Street and Ormont Street (Federal File Heritage Conservation Area), with further consideration for sympathetic development in Phase Two. These amendments are incorporated into the primary motion.
Councillor Antonu proposes an amendment calling for a thorough feasibility report on the 20% uplift and a comprehensive infrastructure development contribution plan to be considered simultaneously with the plan. The Mayor rules part of this redundant as it mirrors an existing amendment related to the City of Sydney's policy. Other parts are deemed to require new work and deferral, leading the Mayor to rule this as a foreshadowed motion.
Councillor Darenzo moves amendments for Dulwich Hill: first, to request a technical investigation for future density uplift at Lofter Street, near the car park, following residents' wishes to be included in uplift. Second, on behalf of North Dulwich Hill residents, to revert specific streets (Windsor Road, Union Street, Terry Streets) to current zoning, as the area already has mixed housing and is close to other high-density developments. These amendments are incorporated into the primary motion.
Councillor Carlile proposes additional amendments for Ashfield: an urgent technical investigation for flooding in future opportunity sites (20-28 Loft Street, 2-28 Thomas Street) to allow consistent zoning with neighbors. Also, consideration for potential uplift on the eastern side of Carlisle Street in the Southern Village sub-precinct, as residents there desire uplift. These amendments are incorporated into the primary motion.
Councillor MRI proposes changes to parking requirements for new developments, setting minimums (e.g., 0.5 per one-bedroom, 1 per two-bedroom, 2 per three-bedroom) and changing 'maximum' to 'minimum' to allow flexibility while acknowledging high car reliance. This amendment is held until later in the agenda, then put to a vote and defeated.
Councillor Atkins speaks against the primary motion, expressing concerns that the plan's dwelling targets are significantly higher than state government targets, leading to community distrust. She highlights that residents compare the Inner West's targets to larger LGAs, questioning the drastic increase. She argues that the community feels rushed, and more work is needed to understand the social impacts and infrastructure requirements of the increased density.
Councillor Barlow speaks against the primary motion, sharing a personal story of housing insecurity and stressing that the plan, in its current form, does not address genuine affordability. She criticizes the narrative that opponents are 'NIMBYs' and emphasizes that community criticism comes from a broad base, demanding a more thorough plan that captures appropriate value for genuinely affordable housing. She states the community does not trust the plan and that this is not a 'fairer future'.
Councillor Ferguson speaks in support of the primary motion, commending the plan as comprehensive, ambitious, and evidence-based. She asserts that the housing crisis demands urgent action and that the plan addresses it by focusing on areas with strong infrastructure. She highlights the plan's groundbreaking reforms for social housing and its provision for an ambitious infrastructure fund. She argues that the plan will ensure a diverse and vibrant Inner West for future generations, preventing the exodus of young people and essential workers.
Councillor Reciti asks about the number of affordable housing units currently owned by the council. The officers confirm the council presently owns 19 units.
The Mayor provides a right of reply, addressing concerns about deferral and the impact of not acting on the housing crisis. He argues that deferral would be an opportunity for opponents to scrap the plan entirely, leaving the government's less desirable rezoning proposals in place. He emphasizes that the current plan protects heritage more effectively than government proposals. He highlights the groundbreaking nature of the social housing provisions, specifically the conversion of church lands and car parks, which could serve as models for other councils. He also clarifies that the affordable housing contribution (2-3%) is based on economic modeling to avoid requiring extreme building heights or public subsidies for private developers. He concludes by stating the plan is evidence-based and essential for addressing inequity and ensuring the Inner West remains livable for all.
The primary motion, including all incorporated amendments for various suburbs and overall plan provisions, is put to a vote. It passes with 8 votes in favor and 7 against.
Item Two: endorsement of the 'Our Fairer Future Plan' in relation to Haberfield. Councillor Reciti, having a declared conflict, absents himself. The motion is moved by Councillor Darenzo, seconded by Councillor Ka. It passes with 8 votes in favor and 6 against.
Item Three: endorsement of the 'Our Fairer Future Plan' in relation to Lyart. The Mayor, having a declared conflict, absents himself, and the Deputy Mayor takes the chair. Councillor Scott moves an amended version of the officer's recommendation, which includes adjustments to heritage conservation areas (Excelsia, WHbor Estate) and confirms investigation of areas like Lyart Marketplace, light rail stations, and retail precincts for uplift in Stage Two. Councillor Scott also proposes reviewing the heritage status of Lyart tram sheds for potential community reuse. These amendments are passed. The overall motion for Lyart passes with 9 votes to 5.
Item Four: endorsement of the 'Our Fairer Future Plan' in relation to Marrickville. Councillor Mack, having a declared conflict, is absent. Councillor Howard moves a series of amendments based on extensive consultation with residents and staff. These amendments include removing proposed uplift in specific areas further from the train station (parts of Ilawir Road, north of Enfield Street, south of Graeme Avenue), deferring key sites for further investigation (Key Site 6, properties on Marrickville Road near David Street HCA), revising design guides for better transitions, considering mechanisms to incentivize public parking by private developers in Marrickville Town Center, commencing the Marrickville South flood study soon, and undertaking heritage investigations for specific areas (13 Bum Street, Warren Estate) as part of Phase Two. The Mayor seconds the motion, praising Councillor Howard's diligence and stressing the importance of balancing development with community character. Councillor Blake speaks against the motion, acknowledging good amendments but calling the overall plan unsupportable. The motion passes with 8 votes in favor and 6 against.
Item Five: endorsement of the 'Our Fairer Future Plan' in relation to Rozelle. The Mayor, having a declared conflict, absents himself. Councillor Scott moves the officer's recommendation, seconded by Councillor Darenzo. It passes unanimously with 10 votes to 0 (some councilors were absent due to declared conflicts).
Item Six: endorsement of the 'Our Fairer Future Plan' in relation to St. Peters. Councillor Carlile, having a declared conflict, absents himself. Councillor Howard moves the officer's recommendation, seconded by Councillor Darenzo. It passes with 9 votes in favor and 5 against.
The remaining items (7-11) of the 'Our Fairer Future Plan' are grouped and moved by the Mayor and seconded by Councillor Darenzo. Councillor Atkins proposes an amendment (DCP for dwelling mix, not LEP), which is debated and defeated. Councillor Atkins then proposes an amendment for livable housing design guidelines and green roofs, which is also defeated. Councillor MRI re-proposes his amendment on parking rates, which is again defeated. Councillor Blake proposes an amendment covering various advocacy points (short-term rental caps, council-owned affordable housing partnership, public land audit, crisis accommodation, removal of capital gains tax exemption, 100% public housing on public land), which is debated and defeated. The main motion for items 7-11 of the 'Our Fairer Future Plan' is then put to a vote and passes with 10 votes to 5.
Item Two (separate from the main plan): Councillor Scott moves an amended version of the officer's recommendation for the 'Building Our Community Plan' (infrastructure delivery plan). This involves a comprehensive review of developer contributions, creating a prioritized roadmap for investment, and ensuring genuine community engagement, specifically targeting young people and renters. Councillor Clay seconds the motion. Councillor MRI asks a question about quarantining funds to specific areas, and it is confirmed there is a nexus between where funds are raised and where they are spent. Councillor Barlow proposes an amendment for further engagement with young people and renters, which is incorporated into Councillor Scott's motion. The motion passes unanimously.
Item Three: 'Our Fairer Future Plan - Development of Affordable Housing on Selected Council Car Parks.' The Mayor proposes an amendment clarifying that all existing public car parking must be replaced and that no new parking meters will be introduced. Councillor Darenzo seconds this. Councillor MRI questions what happens if replacement isn't possible, to which the Mayor states the motion is explicit. Councillor Barlow then proposes an amendment for greater transparency and engagement with business owners regarding the plans, which is debated and defeated. The primary motion, with the Mayor's amendment, passes with 8 votes in favor and 7 against.
Item Four: 'Advice Post Exhibition Our Fairer Future Plan - Council's Approach to a New Housing in the Inner West.' The General Manager explains this report details how councilors managed conflicts and procedural motions. The Mayor moves for the report to be received and noted, seconded by Councillor Howard. This passes unanimously. The Mayor thanks the council staff for their work, and the meeting is declared closed.