Say No to the NSW Government’s One-Size-Fits-All LMR Housing Policy

Protect Local Character. Demand Smart Growth.

While addressing the housing crisis is vital, the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (LMR) imposes a one-size-fits-all solution that ignores the distinct needs of our suburbs. It overrides local planning controls, cuts environmental and heritage protections, slashes parking requirements, and includes no funding for the infrastructure required to support this growth.

This State-imposed policy affects Kogarah, Hurstville, Beverly Hills, Penshurst, Mortdale, Riverwood, Carlton and Oatley, putting at risk the unique character of these neighbourhoods. And it comes without support for critical infrastructure—such as parking, local roads and traffic upgrades, footpaths, stormwater and drainage systems, open spaces, and community and sporting facilities.

That’s why Georges River Council developed a smarter alternative—our own Additional and Diverse Housing Planning Proposal.

Why We're Taking a Stand.

🛑 LMR is a blanket approach that doesn’t work for Georges River.

🏡 Our Council’s Housing Plan—developed by planning experts—delivers 9,557 new dwellings in targeted, well-serviced locations, just 1,400 fewer than the LMR Policy, with room for more through the Kogarah and Riverwood Town Centre plans.

Georges River Council’s plan is designed by expert planners, and will:

✅ Deliver over 9,500 new homes across our LGA
✅ Prioritise well-designed homes, not just "well-located" dwellings
✅ Protect local character, heritage areas, and biodiversity
✅ Maintain reasonable parking standards to avoid worsening congestion
✅ Give Council the ability to manage growth and impacts locally

We’re not against growth—we want to be part of the solution. But growth without proper local planning or funding leads to:

🚫 3-storey apartment blocks in quiet residential streets
🚫 Insufficient open space and public infrastructure
🚫 Increased traffic and parking stress
🚫 Loss of green canopy and trees
🚫 Bulky, poor-quality buildings out of step with neighbourhood character

Our communities deserve a say. Planning should be strategic, place-based, and backed by real infrastructure—not dictated by Macquarie Street. Our community deserves better.

Read Leader Article: Georges River Council to Government: Back- up housing policy with more funds