NSW opposition reveals high-density housing plan for Sydney’s inner west

Anne Davies
The NSW opposition will today unveil a plan to build up to 15,000 new medium and high density homes in parts of Newtown, Erskineville and St Peters in Sydney’s inner west.
But the idea is likely to be controversial because the area marked for redevelopment is largely made up of nineteenth terrace houses, some warehouses, and the Carriageworks art precinct.
If the Liberals and Nationals are returned to government in NSW in March 2027 they will designate 100 hectares for redevelopment around the area’s current railway stations, the NSW opposition leader, Mark Speakman, said.
It is within minutes of the city by train, and close to Sydney University and Royal Prince Alfred hospital.
“The plan is to protect the character of key heritage streets while focusing new homes near stations and on suitable redevelopment sites” Speakman said. “These are neighbourhoods with trains, hospitals, schools and universities on their doorstep.”
Our plan is about making sure the next generation can afford to live here too.
He said early estimates suggest the area could support up to 15,000 new homes, staged over time, with schools, childcare centres, green spaces and community facilities.

Key events
Victoria SES responded to 1,400 calls yesterday, NSW SES 270
SES officials in Victoria and New South Wales responded to many calls for assistance last night amid damaging winds.
Victoria’s SES said volunteers responded to more than 1,400 requests, 1,000 of which were linked to tree-related incidents. The state saw wind gusts in excess of 100km/h, with some areas seeing gusts of 130km/h at times.
The state has fewer than 30 jobs outstanding, however, after a busy evening, officials told ABC News.
In NSW, volunteers responded to more than 270 calls for assistance over the last 24 hours. Most of the impacts from damaging winds were in western Sydney.

Anne Davies
Coalition’s rezoning targets in Labor, Green and independent-held areas
The NSW opposition’s plan is for a staged development within an 800m radius of Erskineville station and 400m radius of Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters stations, limited to the City of Sydney council area.
The total investigation area of more than 100 hectares could deliver up to 15,000 new homes. The plan includes expansion of local schools and new childcare centres, new parks, community facilities and sustainability standards, and new cycleways and safe walking links.
The Minns government’s reforms to planning laws are expected to pass parliament today. They will provide a fast track for approving housing projects in a bid to reverse the slide in housing construction numbers in NSW.
The Minns government has already identified four accelerated areas near transport nodes, and has altered planning laws to ensure other areas close to transport can be developed into low and medium density.
It has targeted areas on the north shore and east for high density development – traditionally Liberal areas. The opposition has identified the Long Bay jail site and now Newtown as its priorities, which are in Labor, Green and independent-held areas.
The shadow minister for roads, Natalie Ward, said under their plan the community can grow without forcing people further away from jobs and study.
The shadow minister for planning and public spaces, Scott Farlow, called it “a once-in-a-generation chance to bring new life to the inner city while protecting what makes it special”.
NSW opposition reveals high-density housing plan for Sydney’s inner west

Anne Davies
The NSW opposition will today unveil a plan to build up to 15,000 new medium and high density homes in parts of Newtown, Erskineville and St Peters in Sydney’s inner west.
But the idea is likely to be controversial because the area marked for redevelopment is largely made up of nineteenth terrace houses, some warehouses, and the Carriageworks art precinct.
If the Liberals and Nationals are returned to government in NSW in March 2027 they will designate 100 hectares for redevelopment around the area’s current railway stations, the NSW opposition leader, Mark Speakman, said.
It is within minutes of the city by train, and close to Sydney University and Royal Prince Alfred hospital.
“The plan is to protect the character of key heritage streets while focusing new homes near stations and on suitable redevelopment sites” Speakman said. “These are neighbourhoods with trains, hospitals, schools and universities on their doorstep.”
Our plan is about making sure the next generation can afford to live here too.
He said early estimates suggest the area could support up to 15,000 new homes, staged over time, with schools, childcare centres, green spaces and community facilities.
Christmas Island’s red crabs on the move for annual migration
The migration of Christmas Island’s red crabs is in “full swing”, with roads closed in some places to protect millions of the crustaceans.
Every year, millions of the crabs emerge from the forest to travel to the ocean to breed, creating a red tide across the island. The Christmas Island national park said a massive spawning event will take place around 15 and 16 November, with a second spawning in mid-December.
“This forecast is based on current climatic indicators. The exact timing of the migration, spawning and return events depends on weather, tides and phase of the moon,” the park said.
Baby crabs usually return to shore three to four weeks later.
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For a closer look at the red crab migration, check out our photo gallery from a few years ago:
Good morning, Nick Visser here to pick up the blog. Let’s see what the day has in store.
Defence plans spending cuts as Aukus costs soar – report
Australia’s defence chiefs have ordered “brutal” spending cuts as the costs of the Aukus submarine deal and new frigates soar, The Australian reports this morning.
Days after Anthony Albanese met Donald Trump to hail the $367bn Aukus pact, the Australian claims that the chief of the air force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, has begun “reviews of capability and sustainment costs” as part of bid to “mitigate overspending” and “address budget challenges” across his service.
In addition, the paper reports, the chief of the defence force, David Johnston, has placed a limit of 150 days a year for reservists to work, down from 200.
The Australian claims it has seen a directive to air force personnel that a review of “capability priorities” would be carried out to guide air force investments and “ensure in-year affordability”.
“This may include project delays, scope reductions and divestments,” Chappell says, according to The Australian.
A second review will look at “sustainment priorities” with Chappell warning about cuts to aircraft flying hours through “reduction in rates of effort”.
“Air force must continue to implement measures to optimise ways of working, reduce cost and ensure every dollar spent focuses on delivering air force’s contribution to the integrated, focused force,” Chappell’s note says.
Military truck and car collide north of Brisbane
A military truck and a car have collided north of Brisbane, sending the defence vehicle rolling off the road and leaving the motorist injured, Australian Associated Press reports.
No defence force members were hurt but the car driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Queensland police said.
The collision occurred on Samford Road at Ferny Hills, north of Brisbane, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.
The forensic crash unit is investigating.
The Department of Defence confirmed an Australian defence force vehicle was involved in the crash.
“No injuries were sustained by ADF personnel,” a department spokesperson said.
The welfare of both the civilian and ADF members involved is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved.
Aerial images of the scene showed the truck had rolled off the road, while the car was seen partially crushed.
The crash comes less than a week after a soldier was killed and two others injured when an armoured personnel carrier rolled during a training course near Townsville.
An investigation into that incident is under way, and involves commonwealth and army officials along with police.
Hanson dismisses speculation Joyce could lead One Nation

Kate Lyons
Pauline Hanson has shut down speculation that Barnaby Joyce could replace her as leader of the One Nation party after speculation that the disgruntled former Nationals leader could defect to her party.
Speaking on Sky News last night, Hanson said:
It’s not going to happen, he’s not going to be leading the party, so that’s totally out of the question.
The former deputy prime minister announced his intention to quit the Nationals last week and not re-contest the New South Wales seat of New England, sparking discussion that he could be about to switch parties.
Hanson confirmed she had made an offer to Joyce to join One Nation, but he had not committed to joining her party and was waiting for the outcome of a bill he has introduced to parliament opposing Australia’s net zero commitment.
She said they spoke about six weeks ago and also had a phone call last weekend.
I’ve made the offer to Barnaby. I know he’s disgruntled with the National party. I know he’s passionate about getting rid of net zero. He’s introduced his bill to parliament, he doesn’t expect to get support … So it’s going to be interesting how this unfolds,.
Hanson bristled at suggestions that Joyce could be a good replacement in the event of her retirement, but said:
My attitude is, if someone can do a better job than I can, fair enough… but don’t write me off at the moment.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the best overnight stories before Nick Visser takes the reins.
Pauline Hanson has shut down speculation that Barnaby Joyce could replace her as leader of the One Nation party after speculation that the disgruntled former Nationals leader could defect to her party. Speaking on Sky News last night, Hanson warned: “Don’t write me off.” More shortly.
Australia’s defence chiefs have ordered “brutal” spending cuts as the costs of the Aukus submarine deal and new frigates soar, according to reports this morning.
And there’s a big cleanup under way today after wild winds hit Melbourne and Sydney yesterday.