In December 2023, the NSW State Government has selected Homebush to be part of the Transport Orientated Development (TOD) Program as a tier 1 accelerated precinct. This means it has been identified as suitable area for additional housing growth as it is well serviced by existing or planned public transport.

This is part of the NSW Government initiative to address the current housing crisis facing NSW and represents part of the State Government commitment to improving housing supply under the National Housing Accord.

The National Housing Accord aims to deliver 377,000 new well-located homes across the state by 2029. Local, State, and Federal Governments are all signatories to the Accord and are working together to respond to the national housing crisis.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Increase housing supply in well-located areas enable a variety of land uses (residential, commercial, recreational) within walking distance of train and metro stations.

• Deliver housing that is supported by attractive public spaces, vibrancy, and community amenity.

• Increase the amount of affordable housing in these locations.

You can read more about the NSW Government TOD Program here.

As a Tier 1 Accelerated TOD Precinct, Homebush, has been subject to a Masterplan process led by the NSW Government. This will see the precinct planned and amendments made to the Strathfield Local Environmental Plan by the end of the 2025.

This work commenced in early 2024 and is building upon previous planning studies undertaken by the NSW Government in relation to the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy (PRCUTS) completed in 2016. This study identified a number of precincts suitable for urban renewal along Parramatta Road including Homebush.

Since the completion of this work a number of major investments have occurred including the completion of WestConnex and the commencement of construction of Sydney Metro. Both projects have a positive influence over the capability and capacity of key growth areas to receive new development.

Only land included within the Homebush TOD Masterplan area will be effected by the proposed planning changes.

As part of the TOD program the NSW Government is proposing to introduce a new State Significant Development Pathway for residential development over $60m in capital investment value.

This means a development application for a project meeting this criteria would be lodged with and assessed by the NSW Government rather than Strathfield Council. This assessment pathway would only remain in place until 2027 and any approvals issued would only be valid for 2 years. This is to promote a more rapid delivery of new housing.

The Explanation of Intended Effects outlining the proposed changes is presently on public exhibition until 5pm on Friday 9th August 2024.

Further information on Faster Assessment Pathways can be found here.

The NSW Government has now completed the first draft of the Homebush Master Plan and supporting technical documents, and these are now available for public exhibition.

To find more information about the Masterplan, please click here.

To view the Masterplan and technical documents or to make a submission, please click here.

The Homebush Masterplan will be available for public exhibition and commence from 16 July 2024 until 5pm, Friday 30 August 2024. It is important that any submissions in relation to the Homebush Masterplan are lodged with the NSW Government within these timeframes.

Information Sessions

The NSW Government, in addition to making all the background documents publicly available, will be hosting an online webinar and providing a drop-in information session during the exhibition period.

• Webinar: Wednesday 24 July 2024, 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Registration link here.
• Community in-person session: Saturday 27 July 2024, 10am - 4pm at WOTSO North Strathfield (Bakehouse Quarter - W5, Level 1, 5 George St, North Strathfield) Registration link here.

NEW INFO SESSION:

• Community in-person session: Thursday 22 August 2024, 4pm to 7pm

Ironbark Room, Strathfield Library, 65-67 Rochester St, Homebush
Interpreter: Mandarin and Cantonese interpreter available

'Talk to a Planner' Sessions

Strathfield Council will be hosting ‘Talk to a Planner’ sessions during the exhibition period. Council planners will be available to answer questions and offer guidance on the Homebush TOD Masterplan.

Sessions will take place at Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub located at 65 Rochester Street, Homebush. These sessions will be held at the following times:

• Thursday, 1 August 2024 4:00PM – 6:00PM
• Thursday, 8 August 2024 4:00PM – 6:00PM
• Saturday, 10 August 2024 10:30AM – 12:30PM

If you require any additional information, please contact Council on 02 9748 9999 or council@strathfield.nsw.gov.au and request to speak to a Duty Planner.