[North Eveleigh] Climate Change and social housing - REDWatch Meeting & Background / State Participation Plan / Protest Reflections Cont.

[Geoff Turnbull (REDWatch Spokesperson)]

Dear REDWatch members, supporters and agencies,

Lessening Climate Change impacts in Social Housing – REDWatch Public Meeting Thursday 3rd September 6pm

Climate Change and Social Housing

What is the Homes NSW Policy on heating and cooling and why is it not being implemented in Waterloo?

Sweltering Cities Inner Sydney Heatwave Scenario Workshop – 29 Sept

State-wide Community Participation Plan Finalised

Reflections on the Waterloo South Protests – the debate continues
Please note – this email contains hyperlinks. This means that if you see a blue underlined word or phrase that you can click on it and go directly to a document or to get more information.
Lessening Climate Change impacts in Social Housing – REDWatch Public Meeting Thursday 3rd September 6pm
As fires blaze across Europe, and Australia faces an El Nino weather event this summer we are reminded that summer heat can create major problems. This is especially so for renters who have little control over the properties they occupy. It is especially a problem for people in social housing where a history of underspending by the landlord has left tenants especially vulnerable. The coming summer looks like it will be hot, so it is a good time to think about how we handle heat now and into the future.
The redevelopment of Waterloo South has been promoted as an opportunity to improve housing stock so it was surprising for tenants and agencies to discover recently that Homes NSW had not contracted Stockland to include reverse cycle air-conditioning in the new build.
This REDWatch meeting will explore how to go about lessening climate change impacts in both existing and new social housing with the help of people who have researched this issue. REDWatch has invited the consortium partners as well as Homes NSW maintenance and Housing Services should they wish to listen or comment on the issues raised.
Come and bring your questions and experience as we explore the issues on Thursday 3rd September 2026 from 6:00 – 7:30pm at Counterpoint’s Factory Community Centre 67 Raglan Street Waterloo or join us online via Zoom http://tinyurl.com/RedwatchMeetingZoom. You can promote this evet with this poster on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1489365589886964&set=a.460968159393384> or by collecting printed flyers from Navin at The Factory.
You can read more about the issues below.
Climate Change and Social Housing
Below is some background on the issue of Climate Change and Social Housing for those who want to dive into it in a bit of detail and prepare their questions. Some of this will be covered at the REDWatch meeting.
A group of researchers have been looking at heat within social housing and how people can cope with the weather extremes we are experiencing. Two of those joining us at the REDWatch meeting are Abby Mellick Lopes from UTS and Stephen Healy from Western Sydney University (WSU) who produced this article in The Conversation in early 2024 When homes already hit 40°C inside, it’s better to draw on residents’ local know‑how than plan for climate change from above<https://theconversation.com/when-homes-already-hit-40-c-inside-its-better-to-draw-on-residents-local-know-how-than-plan-for-climate-change-from-above-221870>.
They have recently been co-authors with other academics of the study A battleground of climate change: Summer air temperatures in social housing<https://researchers-admin.westernsydney.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/405496688/A_battleground_of_climate_change_summer_air_temperatures_in_social_housing.pdf> and they will talk at the REDWatch meeting about that research and what we can do to cope with high temperatures. Three other authors of this paper from the Urban Transformations Research Centre WSU were involved in an important study for the City of Sydney documenting air temperature and relative humidity variations across the local government area and producing this  Mapping summer microclimates<https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/-/media/corporate/files/publications/research-and-reports/mapping-summer-microclimates/mapping-summer-microclimates.pdf?download=true> report. There is a particularly interesting diagram in the report plotting surface and air temperatures during the day and night across different terrains. It shows that urban heat island effect is highest in areas of grey infrastructure (buildings including high-rise) and lowest over green and blue infrastructure.
At the REDWatch meeting we may also be joined online by Taylor Tran from Sweltering Cities which has been running the Hot at Home / Heat Safe Homes in NSW<https://swelteringcities.org/heat-safe-homes-nsw/> and / or Zuzia Buszewicz from the Tenants Union NSW on the push for Minimum Energy Efficiency Rental Standards (MEERS) across all rental housing types including social housing.
In other background reading you might also like to see the November 2024 Environmental Justice Australia published Climate hotbeds: understanding climate injustice through extreme heat in social housing<https://envirojustice.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EJA_Climate-hotbeds-report_241112.pdf> and an ABC reported study on Sydney social housing experiencing extreme heat due to lack of standards, study says<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-23/sydney-social-housing-extreme-heat/106943406>.
And then, as below, there is Homes NSW’s own policy.
What is the Homes NSW Policy on heating and cooling and why is it not being implemented in Waterloo?
With the Waterloo tenants and services being told that the provision of air-conditioning in the new development was not in line with what Stockland had been asked to deliver, it sent advocates scurrying to the Heating and cooling policy for Homes NSW tenants<https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/homes-nsw/social-housing-resources/heating-and-cooling-policy>. Under the policy “Homes NSW will provide energy efficient reverse cycle air conditioning units and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to all new properties in all NCC climate zones<https://www.abcb.gov.au/resources/climate-zone-map>, where possible.” This begs the question why this is not possible in Waterloo South.
The background section of the policy says:
“The provision of thermal comfort is important in housing as it is strongly linked to the health and wellbeing of the occupants. Good design that fosters natural cross ventilation and solar access by considering building orientation, unit configuration, and the external building envelope is important at the design phase. Thermal comfort can be provided through passive measures such as insulation, draught proofing, window shading, etc. and by active measures via heating and/or cooling devices such as heaters, ceiling fans and air conditioners”.
Below is the wording of the policy statement
“5. Policy statement
Tenants can expect Homes NSW to ensure that all properties are in a reasonable state of cleanliness and meet minimum standards to be ‘fit for habitation’.
Homes NSW will ensure that construction of all new residential properties comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Sustainable Buildings SEPP requirements for thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
Improving the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of new and existing social housing is important to maintain the health and well-being of social housing residents and reduce energy costs. Air conditioners are an important climate change adaptation measure to minimise tenant heat stress.
5.1 Air Conditioners and Solar Systems
Homes NSW will provide energy efficient reverse cycle air conditioning units and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to all new properties in all NCC climate zones<https://www.abcb.gov.au/resources/climate-zone-map>, where possible.
Reverse cycle air conditioning is the most energy efficient form of both heating and cooling. When existing heaters are beyond economic repair, they will be replaced with an air conditioner, and existing heating and cooling appliances (electric, flued gas, solid fuel wood fire and old inefficient air conditioners) in living areas will be removed.
Homes NSW will retrofit energy efficient reverse cycle air conditioners and solar PV systems to existing properties in NCC climate zones<https://www.abcb.gov.au/resources/climate-zone-map> 4, 7 and 8, subject to availability of funding. Homes NSW will utilise the Bureau of Meteorology and Adapt NSW’s NARCliM models to monitor changing climatic conditions and prioritize the retrofitting of air conditioners and solar PV systems to communities in most need.
Homes NSW will retrofit solar systems to properties that are two stories or less in height, with adequate roof areas to accommodate solar panels, and subject to availability of funding.
The retrofitting of solar systems will assist social housing households to offset electricity costs from the operation of reverse cycle air conditioners during daytime hours.
5.2 Removal of Solid Fuel Wood Fire Heaters
Due to associated safety risks, Homes NSW will not permit the installation of any new solid fuel wood space heaters. Homes NSW will prioritise removal of solid fuel wood space heaters and retrofit a reverse cycle air conditioner.
5.3 Ceiling Insulation and Draught Proofing
Homes NSW will retrofit ceiling insulation and draught proofing to existing properties, subject to availability of funding.
5.4 Ceiling Fans
Homes NSW will provide ceiling fans in living rooms and bedrooms within all new social housing properties.
Homes NSW will retrofit ceiling fans into existing properties subject to suitable ceiling height, and availability of funding.
5.5 Heating and Cooling Provisions for Medical Grounds
Homes NSW will provide additional heating and cooling measures on medical grounds in all climate zones in accordance with the Home Modifications (Disability) Policy<https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/homes-nsw/social-housing-resources/home-modifications-disability-policy/home-modifications-disability-policy>.”
As a new build Waterloo South should be covered by “Homes NSW will provide energy efficient reverse cycle air conditioning units and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to all new properties in all NCC climate zones<https://www.abcb.gov.au/resources/climate-zone-map>, where possible.”
So the question is why is it not possible? REDWatch notes that the policy is from August 2024 and so we wonder if this policy was adopted after the requirements for the Waterloo South build tender process were set. If this is the case then we are sure the contract could be amended by mutual consent. REDWatch understands discussions are currently underway.
Stockland has told tenants and agencies that it plans to put in all the infrastructure so tenants can install their own air-conditioner or so Homes NSW can retro fit in future if they so decide. REDWatch notes under the policy that Waterloo South would not qualify for retrofit currently under the policy as it is in Zone 1.
The Homes NSW policy clearly understands the heating and cooling issues facing tenants so building new places with good thermal properties is essential, but so too is the ability to affordably heat and cool when needed, which is provided by reverse cycle air conditioning. It is a no brainer to install it now rather than retrofit later.
The Homes NSW properties above the Waterloo Metro were built without air-conditioning while we understand that the student housing next door has air-conditioning. Presumably the short brief given to the developers of this site specified no air-conditioning for social housing as has the brief for Stockland.
Sweltering Cities Inner Sydney Heatwave Scenario Workshop – 29 Sept
This free workshop is hosted by Sweltering Cities, Australia's national community voice for heat safety. Sweltering Cities works with communities living in Australia’s hottest suburbs and homes to help community experiences and ideas shape better policies. This project is about strengthening local resilience and ensuring no one is left behind during extreme heat events. The workshop is very hands-on, and you'll leave with a deeper understanding of local heat impacts and new tools to build resilience. It will be held on Tue, 29 Sep, 9am - 4pm AEST at Harold Park Community Hall, Forest Lodge NSW, Australia. You can Register Here<https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-heatwave-scenario-workshop>
At the workshop, we’ll explore what a summer of record heat could look like in Sydney in 2030–2035. Together, we’ll use storytelling, data, and a ‘Community Capitals’ framework to understand vulnerabilities, identify local strengths, and imagine transformational solutions. This workshop is for local organisations, community members, and others who are engaged in understanding and preparing for the impacts of rising temperatures in our communities. This workshop is supported by the City of Sydney.
State-wide Community Participation Plan Finalised
REDWatch has earlier raised concerns about proposed changes to Participation Plans and to the proposal to have a state wide plan that would further reduce participation. Planning NSW issued The finalised State-wide Community Participation Plan<https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/community-participation-plan.pdf> and a rather cursory 6-page summary of submissions<https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026/community-participation-plan-what-we-heard.pdf>. Below is a report from the Better Planning Network showing there have been some welcome changes in the final plan.
The new state-wide Community Participation Plan has been finalised and your concerns have been heard loud and clear and actioned in the new CPP. Significant wins include:

  *   residential flat buildings and shop top housing development types will remain subject to a minimum 14-day exhibition instead of being excluded from exhibition
  *   state significant projects will be exhibited for a minimum of 28 days

  *   exhibition timeframes for draft district and regional plans and local strategic planning statements have increased to a legislated minimum of 60 days council related developments will be exhibited for a minimum of 28 days instead of being excluded from exhibition
  *   planning proposals which amend LEPs, as well as draft DCPs, will be exhibited for a minimum of 28 days
  *   minimum exhibition timeframes have been retained instead of recommended timeframes
  *   a reduced list of supposedly lower impact development types that will not require exhibition
  *   works on heritage buildings are no longer exempt from public exhibition
  *   alterations to schools and community/health/education infrastructure are no longer exempt from public exhibition
  *   the requirement that submitters must lodge submissions before the close of the exhibition period has been removed and feedback can now be provided to the consent authority at any stage of an application.
  *   “Submissions and feedback will be taken into account” during assessment
Unfortunately, there is still a long list of developments that will be exempt from public exhibition including, bizarrely, bed and breakfast accommodation; as well as dwelling houses and dual occupancy up to two storeys; multi dwelling and attached dwelling up to 5 dwellings; secondary dwellings; subdivision of land resulting in no more than 5 new lots and, even more bizarrely subdivision of land that is subject to an existing development consent for its current use. Plus sadly, tree removal on private land.
Overall though, an overwhelmingly positive outcome for all of the 1000+ submitters that cared enough to make their voices heard. Never let it be said that you don't make a difference because you certainly do.
Reflections on the Waterloo South Protests – the debate continues
A couple of updates ago we reported on Homes NSW Waterloo Newsletter July 2026 in English (PDF 550.58KB)<https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/noindex/2026-08/waterloo-newsletter-june-2026.pdf> and its Rumours corner (which had not been posted online at the time) and also Mike Shreenan’s reflections on the Waterloo South protests and how government dealt with them -  Waterloo: When Did Solidarity Stop Listening?<https://provocarecoaching.com/waterloo-when-did-solidarity-stop-listening/>
Action for Public Housing has asked REDWatch to also distribute their response to these two items which is on their website as A response to critics of the Save Waterloo Encampment<https://actionforpublichousing.org/a-response-to-critics-of-the-save-waterloo-encampment/>. At the foot of that post there is also a response to the article from Mike Shreenan.

Regards,

Geoff
Geoffrey Turnbull
REDWatch Spokesperson
Ph Wk: (02) 8004 1490  Mob: 0418 457 392
email: spokesperson at redwatch.org.au<mailto:spokesperson at redwatch.org.au>
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