The NSW government's desperate push to build housing is on full display with the Junction Street development, a proposed seniors housing complex in Sydney's inner west. This project, which includes a 12-bed aged care facility and 71 independent living units, is being fast-tracked through the state significant development pathway, bypassing council approvals. But the site's location in a flood-prone area has raised serious concerns, with environmental and emergency agencies warning of an unacceptable risk to life. The Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation (CPHR) group and the NSW State Emergency Services (SES) have both opposed the development, citing the site's high flood hazard and limited evacuation opportunities. The developer, Corio, has asked to increase the floor-to-land space ratio, but the council argues that the developer is relying on outdated models and that the site's accessibility is a concern. The Junction Street development highlights the tension between the government's housing goals and environmental considerations, and raises questions about the wisdom of building new high-rise housing in flood-prone areas. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the need for a balanced approach to development becomes ever more critical. The NSW government's response to these concerns will be a key test of its commitment to both housing supply and public safety.
