Kellie Sloane proposes major cuts to Sydney east housing plans

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 31, 2026

Opposition leader Kellie Sloane has proposed slashing housing targets in Woollahra by nearly two-thirds while introducing new redevelopment plans for Bondi Junction and a large-scale residential project at Long Bay offering significant affordable housing. Her revisions challenge the state government’s more aggressive development strategy ahead of the March election, reflecting ongoing tensions between expanding housing supply and preserving community interests.

Opposition leader Kellie Sloane has outlined significant revisions to the government’s housing development plans for Sydney’s eastern suburbs, proposing a substantial reduction in dwelling targets while expanding redevelopment initiatives in surrounding areas. Her proposal seeks to cut the New South Wales government’s housing targets in Woollahra by nearly two-thirds and incorporate new housing plans for Bondi Junction and Long Bay, ahead of the March state election.

Sloane, the member for Vaucluse, formally opposed the state government’s plan to build up to 9,400 homes in Woollahra. Instead, she advocates using Woollahra Council’s own strategy as a basis, which suggests adding between 2,200 and 3,600 dwellings over 15 to 20 years. She also intends to include Bondi Junction in the rezoning scheme and coordinate with Waverley Council to facilitate housing development there, with plans involving up to 3,000 homes and buildings as tall as 100 meters.

Woollahra Council has strongly rejected the state’s proposal, presenting an alternative to the government’s rezoning intentions. Meanwhile, Waverley Council has temporarily halted its previously approved masterplan due to concerns raised by the recently elected Labor-aligned independent mayor, who is addressing community feedback regarding building height, heritage preservation, and shadow impacts.

In addition to these eastern suburbs plans, Sloane has proposed redeveloping the Long Bay Correctional Complex, a beachside prison, into a residential community with more than 12,000 homes. Her plan includes dedicating 30 percent of these new dwellings to social and affordable housing, aiming to address long-term housing shortages.

The state’s Planning Minister, Paul Scully, criticized Sloane’s approach, characterizing it as typical of the Liberal Party’s housing policies and accusing the opposition of consistently proposing fewer housing solutions. The debate over housing development in Sydney’s east remains contentious, with discussions balancing the need for increased housing supply against concerns over community impact and urban design.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.