The NSW Government has announced two housing reforms that will impact communities and pose a major threat to the heritage of NSW. Find out what's at stake, and how you can get involved.
The Transport Oriented Development program and Changes to Create Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy propose zoning changes to land surrounding railway stations and town centres which covers 43 local government areas.
The National Trust (NSW) estimates this will impact two-thirds of the heritage items listed in NSW. Rezoning these areas for greater density will impact communities from the Hunter, across Greater Sydney to the Shoalhaven, and out to the Blue Mountains.
We acknowledge the need to address housing shortages, however we call for heritage to be protected as part of a better planning solution.
The National Trust has made a submission expressing concerns over the blanket reforms and the unintended impacts.
The National Trust is calling for:
- Existing heritage and environmental protections to remain to avoid the loss of important natural and built locations across the state
- Heritage to play a role in new developments through adaptive reuse and sustainable planning
- Avoidance of a one-size-fits-all approach and the demolition of many already liveable or adaptable spaces.
Have your say
The NSW Parliament has established an Inquiry into the highly controversial reforms. The National Trust also encourages everyone to write to their local member or the Minister for Planning to share your views on how the reforms could impact your community.
