Shelter NSW continues to monitor and advocate in the local government planning space for mechanisms that will deliver affordable housing in addition to direct investment and development from other levels of government.
In a welcome development, Western Sydney councils have come together and developed a draft Regional Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Scheme.
The draft Scheme proposes a monetary contribution from some new developments to be introduced from March 2028 onwards.
Blacktown City Council website indicates that: “the draft Scheme will allow the Council to levy an affordable rental housing contribution as a condition of consent for certain development approvals. These contributions will be used to provide affordable rental housing in Western Sydney.
The low contribution rates have been drafted to equate to:
- 1.5% of the floor area of residential developments
- 0.3% of the floor area of non-residential developments
If adopted, the Scheme will only be introduced from March 2028 to ensure that:
The building sector has appropriate advance notice, and the introduction of the contribution does not undermine confidence and the continued delivery of residential development.”
Shelter NSW will conduct analysis of the draft scheme and share further thoughts shortly. We encourage our members to have a look at the draft and contribute to the consultation.
The draft scheme is on public exhibition until 7 April 2025. Find further information on the Draft Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Scheme.
There are five local government areas that are currently exhibiting Affordable Rental Housing Schemes. Shelter NSW encourages members and other interested parties with connection to these areas and/or expertise to provide submissions highlighting the need for ambitious affordable housing contributions.
Contribute now to consultation in Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Hawkesbury and Wollondilly.