News

The recent exclusion of Hawkesbury Shire from the NSW Government's housing reforms, which allow dual occupancies and semi-detached dwellings in R2 low-density zones, has sparked significant debate within the community. This decision, driven by environmental concerns and local infrastructure limitations, has been met with frustration by many landowners who see it as a lost opportunity to maximize the potential of their properties. For families, particularly in a housing market that has become increasingly difficult to break into, this exclusion represents a missed chance to create multi-generational living arrangements that could ease the burden of housing costs.

The Mayor's Decision: A Double-Edged Sword

The decision to exclude the Hawkesbury Shire from the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) Amendment (Dual Occupancies and Semi-Detached Dwellings) 2024 was led by Mayor Sarah McMahon, who emphasized the need to protect the area's unique environmental and cultural heritage. A key argument supporting this exclusion is the region's significant amount of flood-prone land. The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley has long been recognized for its flood risks, particularly in areas near the river and its tributaries. Mayor McMahon and the local council argue that allowing increased development through dual occupancies in these zones could exacerbate flood-related risks, placing more lives and properties in danger.

The Impact on Families: A Missed Chance for Multi-Generational Living

1. Supporting the Next Generation:
   
   One of the key benefits of allowing dual occupancies is the opportunity it provides for families to support younger generations by building secondary dwellings on their property. In the current housing market, where the cost of entry is prohibitively high for many first-time buyers, the ability to construct a secondary dwelling offers a practical solution. Parents could provide their children with an affordable place to live, either by allowing them to rent or eventually inherit the property. This arrangement can also be a financial lifeline for young families struggling to save for a home while paying high rents elsewhere.

2. Maintaining Family Connections:
   
   Dual occupancies also facilitate multi-generational living arrangements, where elderly parents can live close to their children and grandchildren, allowing for shared responsibilities, care, and the preservation of close family ties. This is particularly important in rural and semi-rural areas like the Hawkesbury, where family connections are often a cornerstone of community life. The exclusion of the Hawkesbury from these reforms limits this possibility, forcing families to look elsewhere if they wish to pursue such arrangements.

3. Economic and Emotional Benefits:
   
   The ability to build dual occupancies or semi-detached dwellings can also have significant economic benefits. By increasing the number of dwellings on a single property, landowners can create additional rental income streams, which can be particularly valuable in retirement. Moreover, the emotional security that comes from keeping family members close by is an intangible but vital aspect of life for many in the Hawkesbury. Unfortunately, the current exclusion limits these opportunities, leaving many families with fewer options to support each other in a challenging housing market.

While the argument concerning flood-prone land is valid, it becomes somewhat of a moot point when considering the existing stringent regulations that already govern these areas. Properties identified as being at risk of flooding are already subject to high restrictions on development, including dual occupancies. These restrictions are in place to prevent new dwellings from being built in locations that would put residents at risk during flood events.

Thus, the exclusion of the entire Hawkesbury Shire from the dual occupancy reforms seems overly broad, as it penalizes landowners whose properties are not flood-prone. Many properties within the Hawkesbury are located on elevated ground or outside flood risk zones, and these landowners now find themselves unjustly restricted by a policy intended to address risks that do not apply to them. This blanket exclusion fails to differentiate between genuinely at-risk areas and those that could safely accommodate more diverse housing options.

Constraints on Landowners: Economic and Developmental Implications

1. Restricted Development Potential:
   
   The decision to exclude Hawkesbury Shire from the dual occupancy reforms severely limits landowners' ability to develop their properties in ways that could significantly enhance their value. While the preservation of the area's rural character is important, it is also necessary to consider the needs of the community in a rapidly changing economic environment. By restricting development opportunities, the decision may inadvertently stifle economic growth and prevent landowners from fully realizing the financial potential of their properties.

2. Missed Opportunities for Local Investment:
   
   The exclusion also means missed opportunities for local investment in the construction of new dwellings, which could have provided jobs and stimulated the local economy. The building of dual occupancies and semi-detached homes often involves local builders, suppliers, and tradespeople, all of whom would benefit from increased demand. In a time when economic stimulation is crucial, the decision to limit these developments may have unintended consequences for the broader local economy.

The Role of Urban City Group in Navigating These Challenges

For Urban City Group, the exclusion presents both challenges and opportunities in guiding landowners through these complex regulations. As experts in building certification and town planning, Urban City Group is uniquely positioned to help clients explore alternative development options that align with the current regulatory framework. This could include advising on permissible developments that still offer value to landowners or helping families find creative solutions for multi-generational living within the existing constraints.

Urban City Group's deep understanding of local planning regulations ensures that clients receive the most accurate and up-to-date advice, enabling them to make informed decisions about their properties. By providing tailored solutions that respect the region's unique character while maximizing property value, Urban City Group continues to play a crucial role in the Hawkesbury's development landscape.

Conclusion

The Hawkesbury Shire's exclusion from the NSW Government's detached dual occupancy reforms is a decision that has significant implications for landowners and families in the region. While the intention behind the exclusion is to protect the area's unique environmental and cultural heritage, it also represents a missed opportunity for many residents to fully utilize their properties in a way that supports family connections and financial stability. The argument about flood-prone land, while relevant, does not justify a blanket exclusion, particularly when existing regulations already address these concerns.

As the debate around housing diversity and land use continues, We feel it is essential to strike a balance between preservation and progress, ensuring that the needs of the community are met in a way that honors both the past and the future.