Decision details

It is resolved that Council:

(A)      note the issues raised in public consultation on the Housing for All discussion paper (the discussion paper), as provided in the Housing for All discussion paper - Engagement Report, shown at Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      endorse the Housing for All Discussion Paper - Interim Implementation Plan (the interim implementation plan), shown at Attachment B to the subject report, subject to the following amendments:

(i)         on page 12, following the sub-section about "Housing for people who need more support" insert a new sub-section as shown in bold as follows:

Alternative Housing

Alternative housing models, including housing co-operatives, community land trusts, meanwhile uses, homeshares and innovative construction methods can improve affordability, meet diverse housing needs and strengthen communities.

Our discussion paper highlights that while planning is generally not a barrier, funding, legal complexities, financial feasibility and access to land can make these models difficult to deliver. It identifies opportunities for the City to advocate for other levels of government to help address these challenges.

(ii)        on page 13, following Action 4.5, insert a new Action 4.6 as shown in bold as follows:

(C)      note the matters raised in the Housing for All discussion paper - Engagement report which will inform further local strategic planning to address housing supply, affordability and diversity concerns in the local area. This may include, but is not limited to, the preparation of any local strategic planning statement and associated local housing strategy in accordance with any direction or instruction of the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

(D)      note the Interim Implementation Plan will be incorporated into the future update of the City of Sydney Local Strategic Planning Statement and associated City of Sydney Local Housing Strategy

(E)      note the strong support for high-quality apartment living in the engagement report and the City’s strong historic support for energy-efficient homes

(F)      note the lack of energy-efficiency standards for rental properties in NSW, the worsening summer heat and winter cold temperatures, and the subsequent affordability pressures

(G)      advocate for energy-efficient homes through an additional subpoint under Action 4, asking the City to:

(i)         advocate to the NSW government for the features-based minimum energy efficiency rental standards (MEERS)

(ii)        advocate that MEERS are implemented with protection for renters against related rent increases or evictions

(iii)      report back to Council on the City’s current approaches taken to support renters’ energy hardship, and explore other possible solutions.

Amended motion carried unanimously.

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