Home Truths: The Real Housing Story in Western Sydney

Both the quantitative data and the stories from those on the ground point to one thing – a housing crisis in Western Sydney. There are a confluence of factors that have led to this crisis. Low property completion rates, soaring housing costs and a lack of meaningful progress on social and affordable housing development have all been identified as contributors to the current situation. However, these is immaterial for households experiencing unprecedented levels of pressure, particularly those on very low incomes. There was a time when social and affordable housing was more abundant, however as the report outlines we are a long way from meeting current and future demand. What once was an accessible safety net for households, enabling them to access safe and secure accommodation, has been replaced with a long waitlist, with the expected waiting time for social housing in many parts of Western Sydney exceeding ten years. The Home Truths report features data from several key sources, with analysis conducted by the Centre for Western Sydney articulating the nuances which must be considered when tackling the housing crisis in the region. Importantly it articulates five clear, tangible priorities for action. Each of these are designed to complement existing commitments from all levels of government and policy platforms of advocacy and lobby groups, supporting the delivery of appropriate housing for current and future residents in Western Sydney.