Housing All Australians (HAA) commends the NSW Government, Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully, and Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson for the announcement to introduce streamlined pathways to facilitate ‘meanwhile use’ of vacant or semi-vacant residential or tourism properties for emergency or temporary accommodation.

“This is a practical, common-sense solution. In a housing crisis, we can’t afford to let buildings sit empty while people are sleeping rough or experiencing severe housing stress,” said Adrian Harrington, Chair of HAA’s NSW Management Committee. “Like food waste, leaving buildings unused is a societal waste we must address.” HAA has long advocated innovative housing solutions, leveraging its network of ‘compassionate capitalists’ – business leaders and corporations who demonstrate that social responsibility and sound business practices can go hand in hand. By collaborating with HAA to repurpose vacant properties into temporary accommodation, these partnerships between the private sector, government, and community organisations have delivered proven results in Victoria, where HAA has been active for more than six years.

The planning reforms announced today by Minister Scully and Minister Jackson will remove red tape that has hindered the repurposing of vacant buildings for temporary housing in NSW, enabling faster housing solutions for those in urgent need. “The NSW Government clearly understands that while building more permanent housing is essential, we must also make better use of our existing infrastructure now,” Harrington added. “This initiative will act as a critical pressure release valve, providing immediate shelter to those in urgent need while we work to expand the permanent housing supply.” HAA is actively pursuing several opportunities to repurpose vacant buildings for meanwhile use across NSW including one in South-West Sydney.

The change to planning regulations for meanwhile use will enable HAA to upgrade unused accommodation areas, owned by Aged Care provider, Whiddon, to provide supported transitional housing for 25 vulnerable women, who are at risk of homelessness/experiencing domestic and family violence in South-West Sydney. This will be delivered in a partnership between HAA, Whiddon Group, Hume Community Housing and Women’s Community Shelter. Hume Community Housing CEO, Brad Braithwaite, welcomed the announcement and commended HAA for their unwavering advocacy.

“Housing is a human right. Today’s announcement means we can do more to ensure that every person in NSW has a safe and secure place to sleep. This reform will mean we can address the housing crisis now and into the future,” Brad Braithwaite said. HAA’s submission to the Federal Government’s Inquiry into Homelessness in Australia highlighted the success of ‘meanwhile use’ projects in other jurisdictions, demonstrating the power of collaboration between government, the private sector, and community groups to deliver rapid, meaningful housing solutions. “This is more than just a policy—it’s a catalyst for meaningful change,” Harrington emphasised. “We look forward to collaborating with the NSW Government, community housing providers, crisis accommodation services, and our network of compassionate businesses to deliver much-needed housing relief to vulnerable Australians.” The NSW Government’s bold action sets a benchmark for other States and Territories, proving that existing infrastructure can be leveraged for the greater good.

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