The housing crisis is real, and we’re taking action to boost housing supply in the Inner West. Our goal is to make it easier to build homes near public transport and town centres while preserving the area’s unique character. Over the next 15 years, this plan aims to deliver 30,000+ new homes, including affordable housing and mixed-use apartments that combine living and commercial spaces for convenience and connection.

Our Fairer Future plan is Council’s alternative to the NSW Government Housing Reforms, balancing growth with the Inner West’s charm. By updating planning controls, we’ll create new homes, jobs, parks, plazas, walking and cycling paths, and community facilities like libraries and cultural spaces to support our growing community.

At its meeting on 20 May 2025, Council resolved to exhibit Our Fairer Future Plan for community feedback.

The State Government has implemented two key housing reforms to meet its target of 377,000 new homes across the state by 2029. In the Inner West, these include Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Low and Mid Rise Housing (LMRH).

The State Government Housing reforms provide a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to development around town centres and train stations. The allowable heights and floorspace ratios are the same, regardless of the suburb. This approach would have significantly impacted the character of the Inner West without providing enough housing.

Through careful local planning, Inner West Council has developed a better alternative for our community. Our Fairer Future Plan concentrates new homes around town centres and transport hubs while preserving the area’s unique character. This Plan is prepared in line with Council's Planning Principles which were consulted with the community in mid 2024 and endorsed by Council in October 2024.

It is intended that Our Fairer Future Plan will apply to the Inner West instead of the NSW Government’s Housing Reforms.

Our Fairer Future Plan aims to provide diverse housing options, including affordable, family-friendly apartments, and create vibrant, walkable communities while preserving the unique character of our neighbourhoods.

This plan proposes changes to the Inner West Local Environmental Plan (IWLEP) 2022 and includes the following three components:

This document outlines the proposed changes as part of Council's approach for new housing in the Inner West.

Our Proposal Documents - Document Library

• Attachment 1 – Our Fairer Future Plan - Council's Alternate Approach for New Housing
• Appendix 1 – Review of Residential Zonings and Heights (PDF 77MB)
• Appendix 2 – Draft Master Plans for Housing Investigation Areas
  • Part A - Executive Summary and Introduction (PDF 25.8MB)
  • Part B - Stage 1 - Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Ashfield and Croydon (PDF 83.2MB)
  • Part C - Stage 2 - Annandale, Lewisham, Petersham, Stanmore, Leichhardt, St Peters, Sydenham and Tempe
  • Part D to F - Affordable Housing, Development Incentives, Yield Estimate (PDF 12.9MB)
• Appendix 3 – Draft Design Guides for Housing Investigation Areas (PDF 77.6MB)
• Appendix 4 - Social Infrastructure Needs Study (PDF 14.7MB)
• Appendix 5 – Heritage Studies (PDF 7.9MB)
• Appendix 6 - Flood Impact and Risk Assessment for Stage 1 (PDF 93.9MB)
• Appendix 7 - Strategic Transport Plan for Stage 1 (PDF 2.7MB)
• Appendix 8 – Biodiversity Study for Stage 1 (PDF 33.8MB)
• Appendix 9 – Ashfield Special Entertainment Precinct Management Plan (PDF 925.4KB)
• Appendix 10 – Map Book - Current and Proposed Maps
  • Part 1 (Pages 1 - 56) (PDF 45.5MB)
  • Part 2 (Pages 57 - 130) (PDF 61.5MB)
  • Part 3 (131 - 209) (PDF 51.9MB)
  • Appendix 11 – Economic Feasibility Report (PDF 1.5MB)

You can use the interactive mapping tool to view and compare current and proposed controls. Once a property is selected it will generate a table outlining if any changes are proposed.

Instructions for use are available on the bottom tab of the tool or in this guide.

Join us at one of our upcoming drop-in sessions, held on weekday evenings and Saturdays in each Ward. These sessions are a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed project, ask questions, and share your thoughts.

We encourage everyone to come along, get informed, and be part of the conversation about the future of our community.

If you'd like to find out more information about your specific property, you can register to speak with a planner below.

The Ashfield Service Centre display will be staffed by Officers from 9:30 - 11:30am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 22 May till 3 July.

The drop-in sessions will have dedicated Planning Officers who can speak with you about specific matters.

If you would like to speak with a planner, please book your 15-minute appointment below.

To ensure this service is equitable and dedicated to your needs:

• Bookings are limited to one per person.

• A maximum of 5 people can attend an appointment.

You can provide feedback by:

• Completing the survey below
• Emailing to planning@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
• Posting to Our Fairer Future, PO Box 14, Petersham NSW 2049

Last day to provide feedback is 6 July 2025.

Call us on 02 9392 5851 to find more information

Council will review submissions and report the outcomes, before the final proposal is considered by Council.

The Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI) is the final decision maker on the controls that are implemented. The proposal will be submitted to DPHI for finalisation through an accelerated planning pathway.