We want to play our part in tackling the housing crisis while protecting what makes the Inner West special.

That’s why we’re responding to the NSW Government’s one-size-fits-all housing approach with our own plan that better protects our heritage, delivers a mix of apartments, houses and affordable housing, and ensures new housing is matched with the service and facilities the community needs.

The first part of this plan was endorsed by Council last year and considered delivering new housing in specific areas, particularly in the southern parts of the Inner West. Now, Council is asking for feedback on the second stage which examines other areas in the LGA.

This draft plan has been developed by independent planning and architectural experts. You can view the plans and share your thoughts below.

The Inner West is an amazing community, made up of people from all walks of life. But we simply don’t have enough homes here for people to live in. This is driving up the costs of housing, making it unaffordable for many Inner Westies, especially younger people, renters, and essential workers to live in the community they love.

The NSW Government is requiring all Councils to deliver more housing. In the Inner West, the Government’s policy has resulted in top-down rezonings around train stations, light rail stations, and town centres.

Sadly, this one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t protect the heritage and character of our neighbourhoods. That’s why we have fought hard to force the Government to agree to rescind these rezonings, in return for us submitting our own housing plan.

That’s what Our Fairer Future is about. Delivering more housing in a way that protects what makes the Inner West great. That means protecting our heritage, delivering a mix of apartments, houses and affordable housing, and ensuring new housing is matched with the service and facilities the community needs.

What’s in the draft plan may not all be right, it’s a conversation starter. The right plan is the one that is shaped by the community’s experience and insights. That’s why we’re asking you to share your thoughts on how we can best deliver the housing we need, the Inner West way. Find out how to get involved below.

Our Fairer Future Plan 2 builds on the work already done through Our Fairer Future Plan 1 and focuses on a range of suburbs not considered as part of stage one.

These include parts of Annandale, Ashfield, Balmain, Croydon, Dulwich Hill, Enmore, Leichhardt, Lewisham, Lilyfield, Marrickville, Newtown, Petersham, Rozelle, Stanmore and St Peters.

The plan explores opportunities for new homes, including more affordable housing, while ensuring future growth reflects the vision and planning principles established through Our Fairer Future Plan 1.

It also includes sites that were deferred from Our Fairer Future Plan 1, along with the Croydon and Iron Cove precinct.

The map below shows the areas included in Our Fairer Future Plan 2. Click on the image to view a larger version.

At its meeting on 15 September 2026, Council endorsed Our Fairer Future Plan 2 for public exhibition.

The plan includes proposed changes in a number of areas across the Inner West, informed by further studies, community feedback and site-specific investigations. It also includes planning controls to support good design, improve public spaces, encourage sustainable development and ensure future growth is supported by community infrastructure.

Once the community have considered the plans and provided feedback, a revised proposal will be put forward for Council to consider in December. We will also publish what we heard during the consultation period.

We have developed an interactive map that will help understand Our Fairer Future Plan 2. You will able to find a specific property or area and see if:

• It is proposed for change under Our Fairer Future Plan 2
• What changes (if any) are proposed.

We have also developed a guide to help you understand how to use the interactive tool.

Our Proposal Documents - Document Library

• Attachment 1 – Our Fairer Future Plan Stage 2 – Council's Approach for New Housing in the Inner West (the Blue Book)
• Appendix 1 – Draft Our Fairer Future Plan 2 Master Plan
  • Parts A and B – Executive Summary, Introduction and Housing Investigation Areas
  • Parts C to E – Affordable Housing Contributions, Incentives, Assumptions and Yield Estimates
  • Part F – LEP Maps
• Appendix 2 – Draft Design Guide
• Appendix 3 – Heritage Review
  • Heritage Review – Our Fairer Future Plan 1 and Additional Matters
  • Heritage Review – Our Fairer Future Plan 2 and Deferred Matters
• Appendix 4 – Flood Impact and Risk Assessment – Our Fairer Future Plan 1 Addendum
  • Flood Impact and Risk Assessment Addendum
  • Appendix A – Flood Mapping
• Appendix 5 – Flood Impact and Risk Assessment – Our Fairer Future Plan 2
  • Flood Impact and Risk Assessment
  • Appendix A – Flood Mapping for Existing Conditions
  • Appendix B – Flood Mapping for Post Development Conditions
  • Appendix C – Flood Impact Mapping
• Appendix 6 – Strategic Transport Plan
• Appendix 7 – Economic Feasibility Report

Hard copies are available to view at the following locations:

• Ashfield Service Centre, 260 Liverpool Road, Ashfield
• Balmain Library, 370 370 Darling St, Balmain
• The Emanuel Tsardoulias Community Library, 362-372 New Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill
• Haberfield Library, 78 Dalhousie Street, Haberfield
• Leichhardt Library, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt
• Leichhardt Service Centre, 7-15 Wetherill Street, Leichhardt
• Marrickville Library, 313 Marrickville Road, Marrickville
• Petersham Service Centre, 2-14 Fisher Street, Petersham,
• St Peters Library, 39 Unwins Bridge Road, Sydenham
• Stanmore Library, Douglas Street, Stanmore.

We want to make sure you have the information and support you need to understand the plans and share your feedback with confidence.

During the consultation period, we will be offering a range of support options including:

• In-person drop-in information sessions
• Book an appointment with one of our planners
• Walk in Duty Planner service
• Dedicated phone line and email address.

If you would like to discuss how the proposals may affect your specific property, please book an appointment with one of our planners.

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.

Our Planning Officers will be available between 9.30-11.30am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at these locations:

• Ashfield Service Centre, 260 Liverpool Road, Ashfield
• Petersham Service Centre, 2-14 Fisher Street, Petersham
• Leichhardt Service Centre, 7-15 Wetherill Street, Leichhardt.

Call us on our dedicated number, 02 9392 5851, between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or email planning@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.

You can provide feedback by:

• Completing the survey below
• Emailing to planning@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
• Posting to Our Fairer Future 2, PO Box 14, Petersham NSW 2049

Other ways to provide feedback:

• Call a FREE Interpreter or the National Relay Service, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm and provide our phone number 02 93925851
• Free Interpreter call TIS National on 131 450
  • Voice relay call 1300 555 727
  • TTY call 133 677
  • SMS relay call 0423 677 767

Last day to provide feedback is Wednesday 28 October 2026.