Apartment development applications continue to tally up in Rose Bay following the NSW Gov's 2025 update to the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

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Some $200 million worth of developments were filed in the space of four weeks at the back end of last year, with the likes of Fyve, HSN, Luxcon and Fortis all seeking to creating new apartment buildings.

The latest plans are for an amalgamated 3,105 sqm site across Conway Avenue, Fernleigh Avenue, and Carlisle Street. Developer Mathieson Property is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dian-2-6-conway-avenue-rose-bay-nsw-2029">Dian</a>, 70 apartments across a new eight-storey building, perched on a ridgeline within walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA), includes one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom configurations. Over 15 per cent will be dedicated as affordable, as per the NSW Government's push for affordable housing. The 17 apartments will be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years following completion of the building.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f99c21d9-e69d-4a23-ae35-3244cfa0b4ae" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20site_0.png?VersionId=67KSZfecJ3fvn1ewo9xxKrneRT.Nsjwd" />

MHNDU has designed the building around three central cores, with lower-level apartments arranged to maximise corner balconies and cross-ventilation. Upper levels are configured with dual north–south aspects to capture harbour views and solar access.

Private open space is a key feature of the scheme, with generous balconies and terraces throughout. Five ground-floor apartments would include private pools, while one upper-level residence will feature a rooftop terrace and pool. A communal room and adjoining landscaped outdoor terraces provide shared open space for residents.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd2e275f-c270-4eb1-9a02-2b573b8eb540" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20front_0.png?VersionId=Us5jNEG6iLFLLMfQSzVBVdILYobBj.g9" />

The site sits around 365 metres walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre and around 312 metres from regular bus services on New South Head Road, meeting the accessible area criteria under the Housing SEPP.

In early 2025, the NSW Government implemented significant changes to its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, altering planning controls to allow greater density for new apartment projects within an 800-metre walking distance of stations and town centres in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/woollahra-nsw-2025">Woollahra</a>&nbsp;Local Government Area, overriding existing local controls. Buildings are now permitted to rise up to six storeys within 400 metres of a station or centre, or eight storeys where affordable housing is incorporated, and up to four storeys within the 401 to 800 metre radius, which can increase to six storeys with affordable housing.

Joel Robinson

Mathieson Property unveils Dian Rose Bay apartment development

Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine</a>, its new apartment development in Chatswood.

Set within a blue ribbon location on Archer Street, Celine will rise on a quiet, tree-lined enclave on the edge of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area, a short walk from the connectivity which Chatswood is famous for.

Celine will deliver 122 one, two, three, and four-bedroom residences, designed to accommodate a broad range of buyers, from owner-occupiers to investors.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362610]

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fuse-architecture-0">Fuse Architects</a>, the 29-storey tower has been shaped to respond to its Archer Street setting, with a defined podium and slender upper levels.&nbsp;

The building incorporates a two-storey residential lobby at the corner, double-height retail fronting Bertram Street, food and beverage tenancies along a through-site link, and two levels of commercial office space.&nbsp;

A landscaped pedestrian connection between Archer and Bertram streets will provide a publicly accessible link through the site, extending activity at ground level beyond the building footprint.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362606]

Inside, Hyecorp is emphasising scale and flexibility. Most residences will incorporate multipurpose rooms, allowing buyers to configure additional living, study or guest space within their floorplan.&nbsp;

Kitchens have been designed with proportions more commonly associated with standalone homes, complemented by Gaggenau and Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, Miele laundry appliances, Taj Mahal stone and bronze tapware.&nbsp;

Buyers will also have the option to tailor aspects of their home through the developer’s “Live Your Way” personalisation service.

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Resident amenity will include an outdoor pool, gym and sauna, as well as barbecue and lounge areas designed for shared use. Upper levels are oriented to capture eastern outlooks towards the Sydney CBD and surrounding greenery.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

The location places future residents within 800 metres of Chatswood Interchange, providing access to metro and rail services, and within walking distance of Westfield, Chatswood Chase and the Chatswood Concourse. Parks including Chatswood Park and Beauchamp Park are nearby, along with a cluster of schools and private hospitals.

Celine continues Hyecorp’s focus on the Lower North Shore. The Australian, family-owned developer has been operating locally for more than 30 years, with recent projects including Audrey in St Leonards, now nearing completion, and Juliet in Roseville. With registrations expected to open soon, Celine represents the group’s latest addition to the Chatswood apartment market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]

Hyecorp unveils Celine, a striking new apartment tower in the heart of Chatswood

International development company <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> has kicked off construction of the $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a>, one of the highest value developments to get underway on the Gold Coast in more than a decade.

Located on a 1.15ha site stretching from Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Ferny Avenue, Paradiso Place, when completed, will deliver 845 residences across three residential towers. &nbsp;

Paradiso Place has been several years in planning by SPG, which has now pushed the green light on construction to meet pent-up demand from investors and owner occupiers.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185858]

The move follows minor amendments to the original design to cater to buyer demand, including the provision of more premium residential amenity, including private dining, lounge and events spaces for residents to entertain guests.

The three towers, comprising 41, 40 and 44 levels, will bring to the market 845 apartments with each tower boasting its own podium level interconnected skybridge to create a unique elevated ‘beachside village’ for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362500]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed development will bring a broad range of residences to the market, most offering ocean views and all enjoying five-star hotel amenities with world-class facilities and the convenience ground level retail precinct.

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Construction of Paradiso Place has been made possible by SPG’s newly established SPG Built division partnered with experienced project management group Eastview Australia, a company that has supported the development of a raft of major projects on the Gold Coast over the past two decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362499]

“It’s a very exciting time for Paradiso Place as we start construction,” said SPG Land Chairman David Wang.

“We have spent our energy refreshing design and assembling the best team and waiting for what we believe is the right time to start construction on one of the most exciting mixed-use developments to proceed on the Gold Coast since Oracle in Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise. &nbsp;

“The local and interstate downsizer market is getting stronger, and we see Paradiso Place as the right project for our times right now. Our company has the capacity to deliver large-scale projects, and we are thrilled to be bringing this vision to reality.”

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185861]

SPG Invest, a company founded in Australia in 1998 with a focus on high-end real estate and premium hospitality assets, has delivered 56 projects in the Asia-Pacific region over the past twenty-five years, including The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai and the Global 188 twin-tower project in Suzhou and Cambridge Residences at Robina.

Paradiso Place will deliver a range of new apartments with two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts, as well as a collection of sub-penthouse and penthouse apartments across three levels. Prices start from $950,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185852]

“We have a very strong vision for Paradiso Place – we are creating a unique beachside residential community where contemporary design &amp; architecture and luxury materials combine with five star residents’ amenities and the convenience of a premium retail precinct on the ground floor”, said SPG Land CEO Dr Ying Rao&nbsp;

“We are confident that the community will recognise that this is more than just another development. Paradiso Place will bring a much-needed retail precinct and lifestyle hub to northern Surfers Paradise with premium retail, lifestyle and food and beverage options,” Said Dr Rao&nbsp;

“The retail precinct is critical to enhancing the lifestyle amenity for residents and guests, so SPG will retain control of this precinct to curate a premium retail offering that will support this thriving new community.

“SPG will also retain short-term holiday letting to control premium and luxury outcomes in line with our vision.”

Construction of Stage 1 Paradiso Place is expected to be completed by end of 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

Construction commences on $1.5 billion Paradiso Place development in Surfers Paradise

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has announced a partnership with Eden Brae Homes to deliver custom-designed homes at Lovedale Farm, the landmark masterplanned golf estate taking shape in the Hunter Valley wine region.

The partnership brings together two highly experienced businesses with a strong track record in quality, delivery and creating well-established neighbourhoods, and marks an important milestone in the next stage of delivery at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lovedale-farm-1054-1184-wine-country-drive-lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale Farm</a>.

As part of the collaboration, Eden Brae Homes has constructed the Lovedale Farm display home, which will officially open to the public on Saturday 21 March.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=362418]

The near-300 sqm display home, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, is one of a collection of homes custom designed specifically for the project. It features a generous master suite with impressive three-metre ceilings, dedicated golf buggy parking, and a farmhouse kitchen complete with a butler’s pantry. Premium upgrades that further enhance the home include an outdoor kitchen, walk-in wine display and gas fireplace.

Pricing for homes at Lovedale Farm starts from $1.14 million for a 255 sqm, four-bed home with rumpus and double-garage on a 504 sqm lot.

The opening will give off-the-plan buyers, future residents and the broader community the opportunity to step inside the home, experience the design and finishes firsthand, and learn more about the homes and land now available at Lovedale Farm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=362426]

Jim Hunter, Managing Director of Capital Corporation, said the partnership builds on a strong history of successful collaboration between the two groups.

“This is not our first collaboration. Capital Corporation has partnered with Eden Brae Homes across several successful communities, including Fairway Views and Fairway Gardens neighbourhoods at Kellyville,” Hunter said.

“Lovedale Farm represents a continuation of that proven partnership, underpinned by a shared focus on quality, delivery and creating places people are proud to call home. We are pleased to be bringing that experience to the Hunter Valley.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=334205]

Arthur Ilias, General Managing Director of Eden Brae Homes, said the Lovedale Farm display home showcases the lifestyle and craftsmanship buyers can expect and marks an exciting new chapter for the project.

“Lovedale Farm presents a rare opportunity to create homes that are custom designed for their setting, with refined layouts, quality inclusions and a strong connection to the way people want to live in the Hunter Valley,” Ilias said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14476]

Capital Corporation partners with Eden Brae Homes to offer custom-designed homes at Lovedale Farm

Aqualand Group’s new investment and development platform, Aqualand Prestige, has secured its first successful end-to-end equity investment, partnering with real estate investment group, Phoenix Property Investors (Phoenix), to deliver its new Roseville residential development.

The joint venture represents a significant milestone for Aqualand Prestige, leveraging off the group’s broader project pipeline, delivery capability and vertically integrated operating model.The transaction also marks the continuation of Phoenix Property Investors’ long-term strategy investing with capable partners to deliver high quality residential projects in Sydney and Melbourne.

Phoenix Property Investors is an established real estate asset manager with a long track record of investments across developed Asia markets including, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Australia, for, and on behalf of, its clients, partnering with leading local developers on residential, commercial, hotel and mixed-use projects in major metropolitan markets.&nbsp;

The Roseville project at 2-4 Larkin Street will&nbsp;comprise a part-nine, part-10-storey development with around 111 apartments. Development approval is anticipated for late March, with sales to commence later in the year.

Jin Lin, Managing Director of Aqualand Group, said the joint venture marks a defining moment for the group’s new investment delivery platform.&nbsp;

“Securing our first end-to-end equity investment under the Aqualand Prestige brand is a major milestone and a strong endorsement of the platform we’ve built," Lin says.

"It provides capital partners with the opportunity to directly leverage Aqualand’s broader development expertise, construction capability and proven track record of delivery, while allowing us to deliver smaller scale residential projects with the same level of design excellence and certainty that has defined Aqualand over the past decade.”

Trent Winduss, Partner and Head of Australia at Phoenix Property Investors, said the partnership with Aqualand on the Roseville project represents a substantial investment for Phoenix’s Australian platform.&nbsp;

“We’re excited to partner with Aqualand Prestige. The Roseville development builds on Phoenix’s strategy of aligning with best-in-class development partners to deliver high-quality, design-led residential outcomes in tightly held locations.&nbsp;

“Aqualand’s depth of experience, vertically integrated delivery model and strong record of delivering complex, high-quality residential developments made them a natural partner for us."

The Roseville project marks Aqualand Prestige’s first in a growing pipeline of medium-scale luxury residential developments across Sydney. They have two sites, on Archer Street in Chatswood and Pockley Avenue in Roseville, for future developments. In 2024 they completed AURA by Aqualand, one of the most expensive developments ever to be completed in North Sydney.

The Roseville project at 2-4 Larkin Street will comprise a part-nine, part-10-storey development with around 111 apartments



Aqualand Prestige partners with Phoenix Property Investors for new Roseville apartment development

Housing Minister

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The appointment of Alan Tudge, Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure and Michael Sukkar, Minister for Housing, in the Morrison Ministry are important roles for the growth of Australia’s cities. 
Both Minister Tudge and Minister Sukkar have demonstrated excellent leadership in the areas of cities and housing over previous years so we welcome their continuing in these important roles.
Clearly housing supply is at a critical stage in Australia due to falling prices and slowing housing approvals yet our population growth is significant. 
The election of the Morrison government has already returned some confidence to the housing industry and it is important that this continues.” 
The actions by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) to reduce the constraints on housing loans has been positive, as has suggestions by the Reserve Bank of Australia that interest rates could be reduced. These signals have led to some green shoots appearing in the housing industry.
One of the major changes happening in relation to housing in Australian cities is a big swing to apartment living, which is more affordable than house living. Apartments are also often well located in relation to public transport and to access to jobs and shared amenities. 
But some in the community have expressed concern at this change to the character of our cities. 
To support the swing to apartment living, the Urban Taskforce has instigated a campaign titled Welcome Home which champions those people living the more urban apartment living style.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work closely with the Morrison Government on broad planning issues and particularly on policies related to the supply of new housing.
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Ministers for cities and housing crucial roles in the Scott Morrison government

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Michael Sukkar has been appointed assistant Minister to the Treasurer and Minister for Housing.
He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2013, representing the Deakin electorate in Victoria for the Liberal Party.
He served as the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer between 24 January 2017 and August 2018, when he returned to the backbench.
Luke Howarth is the assistant minister for Community Housing and Homelessness as key parts of Scott Morrison’s second Ministry.
The announcement of a Federal Housing Minister and an Assistant Ministry for Community Housing in the second Morrison ministry shows an awakening to the importance of affordable housing to the future of the country, according to Nicholas Proud, CEO of PowerHousing Australia, which represents 33 of Australia’s largest tier one and scale-growth community housing providers. 
“As the biggest slowdown in the development of residential housing in our history threatens to see house prices sky rocket again as demand again outstrips supply, the Federal Government signals that affordable housing, social impact and the economy are not mutually exclusive.
“With housing remaining in Treasury there is real promise to build on the development of the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation to see affordable housing deliver up to 10-20 per cent of the national build rate to preserve, jobs, underpin state budgets, preserve supply and keep house prices rising at a more manageable pace.
“Linking Treasury, Cities and Urban Infrastructure makes real common sense, it shows commitment to stop thinking about social and affordable housing as a short-term real estate play and reframes it as a long-term infrastructure yield/risk class ripe for 10-15 year institutional and global investment.
“It also links housing to the deep infrastructure and City Deals investments announced in previous Coalition budgets, which help to reduce congestion and make it easier for Australians, including key workers and those on low and middle incomes, to more easily get to and from work."
Around noted Australia is heading for a slowdown in new housing delivery.
The Australian Banking Association welcomed the reappointment of Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP and the new appointments of the Hon Michael Sukkar MP as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing and Senator Jane Hume as Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology.  
The CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh welcomed the new appointments and looks forward to working closely with the Government on important policies such as improving protections for customers through overhauling the Banking Code of Practice, Open Banking and the Government’s First Home Buyers policy announced during the campaign.
“There are a number of critical reforms apart from the Royal Commission, most notably Open Banking and Comprehensive Credit Reporting, which the industry is eager to continue to work closely with the Government to ensure their success.
“Australia’s banks hold a critical role in the national economy and stand ready to work with the Morrison Government to ensure the economy keeps growing, from the financing of infrastructure projects to helping everyday people get ahead in life with first homes, cars and small business lending.
“Ensuring lending remains straight forward and easy for Australian customers looking to buy a home or invest in their business is a top priority for the industry and remains a critical element in ensuring the economy is geared for growth,” she said.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Michael Sukkar appointed Minister for Housing

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GUEST OBSERVATION
As politicians across Australia grapple with a fix for housing affordability, you might be forgiven for thinking this was the first time the nation has confronted a crisis in housing. But analysis of documents from the reconstruction period following the second world war finds that, as the war was drawing to a close, concern was building about housing availability and affordability. <img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/74615/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
Some of the issues, arguments and solutions being presented today are extremely similar to those consuming Australian politicians and policymakers three-quarters of a century ago.
<h2>Housing and fertility</h2>
Treasurer Scott Morrison <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/people-are-delaying-having-children-so-they-can-buy-a-house-scott-morrison-20170312-guwnm1" target="_blank">recently asserted</a> that the housing affordability crisis was so severe that:
"People are putting off when they buy their house. They are even putting off when they have kids so they can save more."
The links between housing affordability and the fertility of the national population are difficult to make at the best of times. But Morrison is not the first to make this connection.
In 1944, housing reformer Oswald “Oz” Barnett connected the declining national birth rate with a lack of quality and affordable housing.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/1599057?lookfor=author:(Oswald%20Barnett)&amp;offset=17&amp;max=19">He argued</a> that the "tragic lack of decent dwellings is rapidly leading us along the road to national race suicide […] One cannot blame a woman for refusing to bring a baby into the world […] nor blame the expectant mother, when her baby does come, for refusing to have another baby until she is able to obtain a house."
Similarly, in its second interim report in 1944, the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/2843335?lookfor=commonwealth%20housing%20commission&amp;offset=5&amp;max=343" target="_blank">Commonwealth Housing Commission</a> reasoned that the lack of affordable housing stock available was “one of the major factors in the limitation of families” and the “alarming decline in the Australian birth rate”.
<h2>Rural spaces as the solution</h2>
While rural Australia had its own housing problems – and <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-housing-affordability-crisis-in-regional-australia-yes-and-heres-why-71808" target="_blank">still does today</a> – it also offered a solution to the problem of a low national birth rate. Sidney Luker, a civil engineer and town planner in New South Wales, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/2319960?lookfor=author:(walter%20bunning)&amp;offset=11&amp;max=13" target="_blank">observed that</a> the decline in the national fertility was “naturally more apparent in the capital cities than in the country”.
His solution? Get people to move to the country via decentralisation policies.
Not only were those living in rural Australia more likely to have children, but life in the country was argued to be naturally superior. Journalist and historian <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/749306?lookfor=title:(War%20Aims%20of%20a%20Plain%20Australia)&amp;offset=1&amp;max=394913">Charles Bean</a> argued that “decentralisation” was necessary for the “health, conveniences and improvement of the big cities”.
Architect, town planner and key contributor to the Commonwealth Housing Commission <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/2235723?lookfor=author:(walter%20bunning)&amp;offset=6&amp;max=13" target="_blank">Walter Bunning</a> also believed that decentralisation would improve “housing conditions” and reduce the time workers spent travelling to their places of employment. This would prevent people from becoming a “race of ‘straphangers’” – people spending a long time on transport to and from work.
Such arguments are eerily similar to those we hear today about the costs of congestion that come with affordable housing being on the outskirts of our major cities.
Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-24/barnarby-joyce-urges-aspiring-home-owners-to-look-beyond-sydney/8209496">argued that</a> home buyers who couldn’t afford property in the major cities should consider moving to regional Australia. He said “there are other parts of Australia” to buy housing.
<h2>Housing affordability and political risk</h2>
Political and policy minds were also focused on fixing housing problems during the 1940s due to the risk of political discontent.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/2316916?lookfor=(author:Council%20OR%20author:of%20OR%20author:Social%20OR%20author:Services%20OR%20author:NSW)%20AND%20(title:Report%20OR%20title:on%20OR%20title:Housing)%20AND%20(date:%5B1940%20TO%201950%5D)&amp;offset=1&amp;max=520">Council of Social Services NSW</a> explained: "Bad housing fosters the growth of anti-democratic opinion – the frame of mind of the ‘have not’."
Similarly, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/713131?lookfor=author:(Oswald%20Barnett)&amp;offset=1&amp;max=19" target="_blank">Barnett</a> and fellow social housing campaigners Walter Burt and Frank Heath noted “an increasingly bitter contest between […] capitalism [and …] labour”.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/1599057?lookfor=author:(Oswald%20Barnett)&amp;offset=17&amp;max=19" target="_blank">Barnett</a> argued that this contest was being waged over housing: "The fight is centring on the struggles for houses for the people, […] houses that they can rent, or buy, at prices within their capacity to pay."
Politicians and policymakers today have not made a direct connection between problems of housing affordability and the political instability that comes with it. But they are no doubt highly attuned to it. They need only look to the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2010/11/12/5-long-term-consequences-of-the-recession/#5875d93144ec">US</a> and <a href="https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/eurocrisispress/2014/06/10/mind-the-gaps-the-political-consequences-of-the-great-recession-in-europe/">Europe</a> and the part housing has played in contributing to political uncertainty in those places to understand the importance of tackling the problem in Australia.
Important differences exist between the the housing problems of 1940s Australia and those we confront in 2017. However, a historical perspective augments our understanding of contemporary housing debates and policies. It can provide more context and detail on potential ways forward.
Rae Dufty-Jones is senior lecturer in human geography at <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092" target="_blank">Western Sydney University</a>.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-it-comes-to-housing-affordability-debates-everything-old-is-new-again-74615" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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The housing debate goes full circle: Rae Dufty-Jones

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GUEST OBSERVER
The latest ABS housing approval data for NSW indicates a big drop over five months giving the new Housing Minister a big challenge.
The ABS trend data indicates that between July 2016 and December 2016 home approvals in NSW dropped by 24% and apartment approvals by 35 percent.
These figures will give the new Housing Minister, Anthony Roberts, a big challenge as he acquaints himself with his new portfolio.
The home approvals by trend for December 2016 were 4,950 compared to the July 2016 figure of 6,545. This is a drop of 1,595 or 24 percent over 5 months. 
Most of the drop was with apartment approvals which dropped from 4,133 in July 2016 to 2,668 in December 2016. This is a drop of 1,465 or 35%.
The trend graphs illustrate a steady drop over the last 5 months. It will be important that the new NSW Housing and Planning Minister brings in some new policies and improvements to the planning system to reverse the current trend.
It would appear that the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) which began in February 2016 has not been able to influence housing approvals and that the confusion with local council amalgamations may have contributed to the slow down.
A number of Urban Taskforce members have reported difficulties in getting approvals from local councils and from the GSC’s planning panels even in areas where the state government has encouraged development.
The recent release of the District Plans by the GSC has added to uncertainty as they seem to restrict housing in a number of areas. The August rezoning review issued by the Government has also made it more difficult to submit planning proposals.
The big drop in housing approvals comes just as the new Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has stated that housing supply is the key to housing affordability and appointed Anthony Roberts as Housing Minister to tackle the supply issue.
Minister Roberts is in an ideal position as both Housing and Planning Minister to take some strong action to ramp up housing supply in the state. He needs to look at the restrictive zoning in the District Plans that stops new housing in district and strategic centres and in out of date industrial areas in inner Sydney.
The Minister should also use the Greater Sydney Commission to fast track housing approvals for large projects over the value of $20 million. He should also look at setting up planning centres of excellence in each of the six Sydney districts to drive housing supply.
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In the current boom economic times, Sydney should be completing 40,000 new homes a year but the highest number to date has only been 31,000.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with Minister Roberts to develop fast track processes to lift housing supply. We are also keen to outline a plan to complete 4,000 new affordable homes a year for Sydney.
See below New monthly private sector home approvals NSW graph based on ABS figures: 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-03%20at%208.41.36%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-03%20at%208.41.36%20AM.png" alt="">
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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