The Fin Is the war on NIMBYs enough to fix Australia’s housing crisis?
10 snips
Sep 10, 2025 Paul Karp, NSW political correspondent at The Australian Financial Review, and Michael Bleby, its deputy property editor, dive into the escalating war on NIMBYism in Australia. They discuss the urgent housing crisis, revealing a staggering shortfall of 1.2 million homes looming by 2029. The conversation highlights how local resistance impacts development efforts, particularly in Willara. Labor shortages and shifting demographics complicate the landscape further. Both guests provide insights into potential solutions, including tax reform, to tackle these pressing issues.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
National Target Is Aspirational
- The federal 1.2 million-home target is aspirational and likely unattainable under current settings.
- The government's own advisory body forecasts about 938,000 homes over five years, well short of the target.
Sunday Press Pack Surprise In Willara
- Paul describes the Sunday press conference in Willara where ministers announced the plan and residents gathered on front yards.
- Neighbours confronted planners and one even chased Planning Minister Paul Scully up the street in anger.
Local Arguments For And Against Willara
- Supporters argue Willara is ideal for densification because it's close to the CBD and on an existing train line.
- Opponents say the proposed scale (10,000 dwellings) feels arbitrary and would triple local housing, straining parking and character.