The NSW Government’s Low to Mid-rise (LMR) Housing Policy, now in force, could bring up to 11,000+ new homes to the Georges River area — but at what cost?
The St George and Sutherland Leader sounded the alarm:
- Zoning upheaval: 6-storey apartments and multi-dwelling terraces in quiet, low-density areas.
- Smaller lots & less parking: Dual occupancies on 450sqm blocks with just 1 parking spot per dwelling
- Loss of local say: Councils can’t reject developments—even if they clash with the area’s character.
- Infrastructure overload: Schools, roads, and services are already stretched thin.
- Environmental and heritage threats: Overdevelopment risks wiping out green spaces and local heritage.
- Uneven protections: If flood and bushfire zones are exempt, why aren’t conservation and heritage areas?
Seven community organisations across the Georges River LGA, including OFF, have united in their opposition to these draconian changes. We have jointly funded a flyer to raise awareness in the community.
How does this affect you?
Are you in the new State Govt LMR area? Look up your address using NSW Government’s interactive map of the low and midrise housing areas. If you are in the old GRC Foreshore Scenic Protection Area (FSPA), you will be especially impacted. Look up your address using GRC’s Foreshore Scenic Protection Area Maps, then apply the Key Changes which can be found here.
We know some residents welcome these changes and see an opportunity to develop their properties —and we understand that perspective. But for many, this feels like a “dirt sandwich”: forced density, no local input, and no infrastructure to support it, or consideration of local biodiversity. Yes, we need housing—but should it come at the cost of our community’s identity, liveability, and environment?
A better way
In its rush to resolve the housing crisis, the Minns Government is creating multiple, additional crises. It wants us to believe that these are the burdens we have to bear to achieve higher density. There is a better way. Georges River Council plans can achieve the housing targets whilst still largely preserving the character, environment, heritage and amenity of our LGA.
Processing times for DAs are being reduced, thanks to new State Government KPIs and regular reporting. Councils are also now trialling use of AI technology to streamline the approval process.
The NSW Government should support Georges River Council’s Housing Planning Proposal as a replacement to the LMR.
Act now!
If you are concerned about the consequences of these policy changes, write to the:
- Premier, Chris Minns at Kogarah@parliament.nsw.gov.au
- Minister for Planning, Paul Scully at office@scully.minister.nsw.gov.au
- You can also let your local member know of your concerns:
- Mark Coure, Member for Oatley at Oatley@parliament.nsw.gov.au
- Steve Kamper, Member for Rockdale at rockdale@parliament.nsw.gov.au
To assist you in writing to these representatives, a template letter has been prepared and can be downloaded here. A letter of objection sent by an OFF member can also be downloaded here for more ideas.
Greater Sydney
There is a rising tide of community concern across Sydney as people realise the significance of these changes. See what other community groups are doing, in the Save Greater Sydney Coalition E-News: April 2025. Watch ABC 7.30 report shown on 8/4/25 (7 mins) New planning laws set to transform Sydney.