The NSW government has officially launched its Transport Oriented Development Program as part of its plan to increase housing supply in NSW and build 377,000 new homes by 2029. The new planning controls will allow for apartment blocks of up to six storeys within 400 meters of the first 18 train or metro stations, with plans to expand to 37 stations by 2025. The program aims to address the significant cost-of-living issue related to housing in NSW.
Key players in this initiative include Premier Chris Minns, Planning Minister Paul Scully, and various government officials responsible for designing the TOD policy. Local councils and the development industry also play important roles in shaping housing policies. The government has emphasized the importance of collaboration with councils in implementing the program effectively and ensuring sufficient housing supply.
As the TOD program progresses, the feasibility of potential developments becomes crucial. The 15-year timeframe for the program accounts for the lengthy process of acquiring land, lodging applications, and going through the planning process. Concerns have been raised by the development industry regarding the viability of building apartments at the proposed height limits, especially in expensive areas such as the north shore and inner west.
The state Liberal opposition has expressed support for increasing housing supply but has criticized the government’s approach to the TOD program, accusing it of disregarding local planning controls and failing to consult adequately. The issue of housing affordability is expected to be politically divisive in upcoming elections. The government is working with most councils to achieve housing targets, with exceptions such as Ku-ring-gai, which resisted the new planning controls at its train stations.
The next steps in the housing program include rolling out more TOD sites throughout the year and revealing the state’s housing targets under the National Housing Accord. The government will also implement low- and mid-rise housing reforms to encourage more diverse housing options around transport hubs. Master plans for accelerated precincts, such as Crows Nest and Homebush, will be published later in the year to indicate the government’s approach to planning in these areas, which are expected to generate thousands of new homes over the next 15 years.
