The Future Party endorses the redevelopment plans announced by the NSW state government earlier today. The plans would see development being built above open areas of the rail corridor between Redfern and Central station. Currently, the area is little more than a vast expanse of open air-train tracks. The state government is aiming to attract developers to submit plans for the area, which will likely feature a number of high-rise apartments and office buildings. The development will also aim to let pedestrians cross the rail corridor much more easily.

Increase housing supply is the key to easing the housing affordability crisis in Sydney and other major centres in Australia, and high density urban infill that is well supported by existing and new infrastructure is by far the most effective way to increase supply. The Central-Redfern rail corridor is the main public transport artery of the city and an ideal location to make use of unutilized space.

Higher population densities in inner city areas with matching investments in infrastructure is a key policy of the Future Party. Greater density means shorter travel times to jobs, and reduced per capita infrastructure costs for government. It also provides benefits to residents by putting more services within easy travelling distances of their homes.

The NSW government is to be congratulated for promoting these ideas, and it is essential that they follow through and deliver them – Sydney can’t afford yet another unrealised planning vision. The Future Party hopes we will see politicians of all parties around the nation come to terms with reality – that our cities badly need more housing and more density, if young people and struggling are to afford rents let alone home ownership.

If you would like to read the full proposal, it is available as a PDF here.