NSW government pulls rezoning lever to unlock land supply

In particular, Mr Perrottet stated the government would be targeting “some of the fastest-growing areas in western Sydney to help more families get into homes sooner”.

The areas targeted by the NSW government are: 

• Broadmeadow, Newcastle
• Camellia-Rosehill
• Explorer Street, Eveleigh
• Macquarie Park stage one
• Orchard Hills
• Parramatta North’s university and northern sites
• Riverstone East stage three

The government is also set to assume responsibility for assessing planning proposals that could pave the way for new housing in: 

• Appin
• Gilead
• North Appin

Mr Perrottet said the government is “throwing everything at getting more houses built so more people get keys in doors and can realise their dream of owning a home”. 

“Working with councils, rezoning is one important level that we are pulling to get the ball rolling on more housing supply across our state,” he added.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts confirmed the rezoning project is part of the government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package and intends to create a “pipeline for tens of thousands more homes, giving more people in NSW the opportunity to put a roof over their heads”. 

“This is about accelerating the rezoning of key housing areas to make more land development-ready for new homes,” Mr Roberts said.

As part of the program, the government will assess state or regionally significant planning proposals, or lead the rezoning work from start to finish, with all land to be rezoned by 2024.

Mr Roberts detailed the project also includes pilot processes for proponents proposing more than 1,000 homes in metropolitan areas or over 300 in regional areas that could be assessed by the NSW government.

He concluded the government “want[s] projects that can make a difference to our housing supply quickly, which is why we are seeking nominations for proposals that are well advanced with a planning proposal able to be submitted within two months”.

The Rezoning Pathways Program is the latest project flagged by the state government with the intention of increasing the much-needed housing supply after August saw the opening of the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to more eligible councils across the state.