Western Sydney University’s Urban Transformations Research Centre and the peak body representing councils in Western Sydney, the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), are combining forces to address housing challenges confronting the rapidly growing region.

Western Sydney’s booming population is expected to surge from its current 2.8 million to 4.1 million within the next 15 years, putting immense strain on housing supply and local infrastructure.

The University and WSROC have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding to establish a WSROC Housing Taskforce to undertake evidence-based work on improving housing affordability, housing supply, planning reform, modern methods of housing construction, climate resilience and ‘place-based’ solutions for housing challenges in Greater Western Sydney.

“The aim of the Housing Taskforce is to provide a regional platform for housing collaboration across Western Sydney councils,” said Dr Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher at the Urban Transformations Research Centre and the Taskforce Secretary.

The Urban Transformations Research Centre’s primary focus is ‘making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable’.

“The Housing Taskforce will connect WSROC's local government networks with Western Sydney University expertise through the research centre, and the NSW Affordable Housing Network and Doctoral Training Centre,” said Dr Noroozinejad.

“This will allow the Taskforce member to explore joint research, develop policy briefings and government submissions, promote professional development and stakeholder engagement, and undertake pilot projects and other initiatives that benefit councils, communities and the broader Western Sydney region.”

Over the past few years, Dr Noroozinejad’s work has focused on affordable and net-zero housing policy, modern methods of construction, modular and prefabricated housing, adaptive reuse, airspace development, and climate-resilient built environment.

“I have also been actively involved in media commentary, public engagement, policy submissions, industry collaboration, and discussions with government bodies and officials on housing and construction reform,’ he said.

WSROC President, Clr Brad Bunting said that the membership-based organisation had a long and proud involvement with Western Sydney University, going back to the 1980s.

“This new Housing Taskforce and the Memorandum with the University provide a basis for improved outcomes for our communities in housing affordability, tackling climate change and resilience, waste management and resource recovery, and transport.”

“WSROC is committed to ensuring our communities have equitable access to opportunity, safe and affordable housing, equitable rental conditions, sustainable energy, and support for adapting to climate change impacts.”

“Our new partnership with Western Sydney University and the Taskforce is a major step toward achieving those goals.”