A new partnership between Western Sydney University and the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) will focus on tackling housing affordability, supply and planning challenges across one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
Western Sydney’s population is expected to grow from 2.8 million to 4.1 million within the next 15 years, increasing pressure on housing supply and local infrastructure.
To help address these challenges, Western Sydney University’s Urban Transformations Research Centre and WSROC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a WSROC Housing Taskforce.
The taskforce will undertake evidence-based work focused on housing affordability, housing supply, planning reform, modern methods of housing construction, climate resilience and place-based housing solutions for Greater Western Sydney.
“The aim of the Housing Taskforce is to provide a regional platform for housing collaboration across Western Sydney councils,” Senior Researcher at the Urban Transformations Research Centre and Taskforce Secretary, Dr Ehsan Noroozinejad, said.
The Urban Transformations Research Centre’s primary focus is making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
“The Housing Taskforce will connect WSROC’s local government networks with Western Sydney University expertise through the research centre, and the NSW Affordable Housing Network and Doctoral Training Centre,” Noroozinejad said.
“This will allow the Taskforce members to explore joint research, develop policy briefings and government submissions, promote professional development and stakeholder engagement, and undertake pilot projects and other initiatives that benefit councils, communities and the broader Western Sydney region.”
Noroozinejad said his recent work has focused on affordable and net-zero housing policy, modern methods of construction, modular and prefabricated housing, adaptive reuse, airspace development and climate-resilient built environments.
“I have also been actively involved in media commentary, public engagement, policy submissions, industry collaboration and discussions with government bodies and officials on housing and construction reform,” he said.
WSROC President, Councillor Brad Bunting, said the organisation had a long-standing relationship with Western Sydney University dating back to the 1980s.
“This new Housing Taskforce and the Memorandum with the University provide a basis for improved outcomes for our communities in housing affordability, tackling climate change and resilience, waste management and resource recovery, and transport,” Bunting said.
“WSROC is committed to ensuring our communities have equitable access to opportunity, safe and affordable housing, equitable rental conditions, sustainable energy, and support for adapting to climate change impacts.
“Our new partnership with Western Sydney University and the Taskforce is a major step toward achieving those goals.”
