Housing supply and affordability are among the greatest challenges facing communities and councils across Western Sydney.

Western Sydney households are experiencing housing stress at far higher rates than other parts of Sydney with 29.5% of households on low incomes, and 18.2% of households on moderate incomes in housing stress. However, mortgage and rental payments are just one of many housing costs. Truly affordable housing must consider the costs of energy bills, insurance, transport and service access.

Over the past 10 years, WSROC has contributed to a range of policies relating to social and affordable housing quotas, increased housing diversity, housing density, quality and accelerated supply.

Key issues include:

Increasing government investment in social housing to ensure a more stable life for communities 

The Western Sydney region is experiencing significant backlogs in social and community housing. There is a need to significantly accelerate the delivery of more social housing dwellings, and accelerate processes for upgrading social housing dwellings to ensure safe, liveable conditions that protect tenants from the worst impacts of climate and energy stress.

Increasing affordable housing delivery through strong policy and direct investment.

At present the delivery of affordable housing has been left to local governments to negotiate. This results in inconsistent delivery across Greater Sydney due to variations in local resourcing, land values and housing densities. Integrating clear, affordable housing targets into state environmental planning policies will ensure contributions are made across all relevant locations and development types.

There is also a need to improve affordable housing policy to ensure stock remains affordable in perpetuity.

Ensuring housing supports general cost-of-living

Housing affordability is about more than just the purchase or rental price of a dwelling. Western Sydney residents face significant cost-of-living pressures relating to travel, energy bills and insurance. There is a need to ensure new housing:

• Is located in proximity to transport, services and employment.
• Is designed to reduce energy bills and other running costs.
• Is not located in areas of high disaster risk e.g. flood plains.

Further information

• Federal Election Issues Brief (2025)
• Policy Brief: Heat and the Planning System: A case for change in NSW (2024)
• Submission: NSW Inquiry into the Planning System and the Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment and Communities (2023)
• NSW Election Issues Brief (2023)
• Submission: Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low- and mid-rise housing (2023)
• Report: Future Proofing Residential Development in Western Sydney (2022)
• Submission: NSW Design and Place SEPP (2022)
• Submission: Discussion Paper – A Housing Strategy for NSW (2020)
• Submission: Consultation on a National Urban Policy for Australia (2024)
• Western Sydney International Airport Review of Health Component of Airspace and Flight Path Design Draft EIS (2024)