What makes a great city? A place where people can live, work and play? Great cities are defined not just by density or their economy, but by good, inclusive and accessible public places; spaces where people can gather, connect and belong, alongside high-quality, well-located, genuinely affordable housing. 

The City of Sydney is a leading council in NSW and beyond, showcasing innovative policies and engaging in important broader conversations around housing, affordability, and sustainability. This month, it offers two opportunities to contribute to the shaping of great public places and the future of housing in the city. 

First comes ‘Opening the Gates: Reimagining Victoria Barracks’, an evening bringing together leading voices from government, architecture, heritage, housing, planning and community to explore the future of Victoria Barracks as a civic asset for Sydney. 

This timely discussion will feature a distinguished panel of experts working across the built environment and public policy, each bringing their perspective on how this extraordinary but largely inaccessible site could evolve. Together, they will consider how heritage-led renewal, cultural activation, public access and carefully integrated housing might shape a place of lasting civic value. 

As momentum builds around the future of Victoria Barracks, this event is a chance to engage with bold ideas about opening up one of Sydney’s most significant heritage sites while protecting its history and character. 

We would love to see Shelter NSW members and friends there for what promises to be a thoughtful and engaging discussion. 

Second is a deeper consultation around the future of housing within the City of Sydney LGA. At Shelter NSW, we enjoy any opportunity we get to plan for the future in a way that allows for significant community input, with ample time for people to understand what is proposed and contribute. We commend the City of Sydney for placing the ‘Housing for All’ discussion paper on exhibition with plenty of time for Shelter NSW members and other interested community members and stakeholders to contribute.  

The discussion paper is on public exhibition via the City’s “Sydney Your Say” platform, with community members able to review the plans and make a submission. Feedback can be provided through a simple online form or written submission and will inform Council’s final decision. 

As a member of the Housing for All Advisory Panel, Shelter NSW is closely engaged in this work and recognises the significance of these reforms in delivering more diverse and affordable housing across the city. 

This is a critical moment to advocate for the kinds of homes – and neighbourhoods – we want to see: well-designed, genuinely affordable housing embedded within great places, supported by inclusive, accessible public spaces, infrastructure and community facilities. 

We encourage Shelter NSW members and stakeholders to engage with the consultation and have their say on how Sydney can grow in a way that is inclusive, liveable and fair. 

The consultation is already open online, until Friday 22 May COB.