NSW Government Unlocks Land for Over 1,100 New Homes as Part of Housing Push

IAN ROGERS

The Minns Labor Government has announced the approval of 10 additional government-owned properties that will provide nearly 1,100 new homes, following the latest fndings from the government’s property audit. This forms part of the NSW Government’s broader initiative to address the state’s housing crisis by repurposing surplus land for housing development across metropolitan and regional areas.

The identifcation of these sites is a key element of the government’s commitment, outlined in the recent budget, to deliver up to 30,000 new homes in welllocated areas, close to transport and essential infrastructure. This ambitious target is backed by a historic $5.1 billion investment in public housing, which aims to ease the state’s housing affordability crisis and provide more options for low- and middle-income families.

Newly Approved Sites and Development Plans

The latest approved sites include nine in Sydney and one in Newcastle. Of these, three major sites—Woolloomooloo, Sydney Olympic Park, and Hurstville—will be transferred to Homes NSW. These locations are expected to deliver nearly 600 homes, with over half designated for social housing.

Other identifed sites in Marsfeld, Seaforth, Minto, Newcastle, and three locations in Arncliffe will be developed through Landcom or in partnership with private developers. The fnal housing mix and project specifcs will be determined after a period of due diligence and market assessment over the coming months.

Addressing NSW’s

Housing Crisis

Housing affordability remains a critical issue in New South Wales, where the high cost of living continues to push many families out of Sydney.

A recent Productivity Commission report highlighted that from 2016 to 2021, the city lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained, underscoring the urgent need for more affordable housing solutions.

Premier Chris Minns reaffrmed the government’s priority to ensure more homes are built in well-connected, high-demand areas. “Housing costs are the single largest cost of living pressure for people across NSW,” Minns said. “We need to take direct action to prevent young people from leaving the state due to unaffordable housing options.”

A Coordinated Effort

to Boost Housing Supply

Steve Kamper, Minister for Lands and Property, stressed the importance of leveraging government-owned land to increase housing supply. “This property audit is a process that has never been done before by the state government, and we are using it to activate surplus land for homes that our communities need,” Kamper noted.

Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the signifcance of building homes in areas with essential infrastructure such as schools and transport. “For too long, affordable homes in well-located areas have been out of reach for many. This land release is a clear signal of our commitment to delivering real housing solutions for families across NSW,” she said.

The release of these properties follows the government’s recent large-scale investments in social and affordable housing, as well as the largest rezoning effort in the state’s history, all aimed at tackling the housing crisis head-on and ensuring a more sustainable future for New South Wales residents.

For more information on the NSW Government’s ongoing housing initiatives, visit the offcial government website.

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