A new path forward for the Riverwood housing estate in south-west Sydney will go on public exhibition from today, following extensive consultation by the NSW Government to ensure it creates better known outcomes for social housing residents and aligns with community expectation.

Last year the former Government cancelled their plans for a redevelopment of the Riverwood Estate, leaving residents and the community desperately waiting for an update on when more crucial social and affordable homes will be built.

Committed to building a better community, the revised plan proposes the delivery of 420 new homes with 50 per cent dedicated to social and affordable housing. It will also include a new internal road, improved public domain, and a new childcare centre in the vicinity to replace the existing one, as well as potential for retail purposes.

The NSW Government is committed to expediting the delivery of more homes sooner. The new scope will enable a quicker delivery of more housing and addresses community concerns raised on the potential impact on local traffic and community facilities.

This is a prime example of the community consultation model working how it is designed to and should fill both the local and wider community with confidence that their feedback on Government projects is valued.

This is announcement is a first step to get the project moving. We will continue to look at all options to build more social housing in Riverwood as fast as possible.

The rezoning process for the new focus area along Belmore Road will build on the previous renewal work completed at Washington Park, as well as the current technical studies and concepts for redevelopment that is contained within the 2022 exhibited masterplan.

The target date for the rezoning of the first stage is early mid-2024. For more information about the renewal of Riverwood Estate, visit http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/riverwood

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This new plan demonstrates the NSW Government’s focus on better community planning to help deliver more homes supported by quality infrastructure and services.

“This new approach will allow hundreds of new and affordable homes to be built in a well-located area without overwhelming local roads and services.

“I encourage everyone to have their say to help shape this important redevelopment.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Scrapped plans to deliver more homes and a social housing waitlist with more than 55,000 people in need is the shameful legacy left by the former Government.

“Our new plan will deliver 50 per cent social and affordable housing. I have always said, our 30 per cent commitment is the baseline, we want to deliver more mix-tenure properties that have more social and affordable homes for people in-need.

“Building more is a core focus for the NSW Government, but it is essential to ensure roads and community infrastructure match that growth. It’s not just about new homes, it’s about delivering the best places for right now and future generations.”