A push to reshape Rose Bay into a high-density housing hub has sparked frustration and confusion among locals, who say their village lacks the transport and shopping infrastructure needed to support such growth.
The concerns boiled over during a packed community forum held at Double Bay Bowling Club on Thursday, 12 June, where more than 180 residents gathered to question why Rose Bay was identified as a “town centre” under the NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.
A Village, Not a Centre
The plan aims to address the housing crisis by allowing more low- to mid-rise apartment buildings near existing infrastructure and public transport. Suburbs like Rose Bay, located less than 10 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, have been flagged for such development.
However, residents and local leaders argue that Rose Bay does not meet the criteria of a town centre. Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan stated that the suburb lacks a full-scale supermarket and adequate transportation links. Although the area has a Metro store and some grocers, she argued that it falls short of the planning standards that would justify its classification.
Wolloahra has lodged multiple Freedom of Information requests to understand how Rose Bay was chosen, but Ms Swan said the documents provided so far have been incomplete and vague.
Questions with Few Answers
At the forum, state MP for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane told the crowd she was also struggling to get clear answers from the Department of Planning. She noted that while officials appear to listen, there has been little sign of actual change or reconsideration.
Ms Swan said her own requests to meet with Housing Minister Paul Scully have been ignored. Council’s general manager did meet with him last year, but Swan said further efforts had gone unanswered.
Meanwhile, the Department of Planning maintains that Rose Bay is a suitable area for growth, citing its proximity to the city and existing services, including “three supermarkets, a Bunnings and good transport links.”
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Property Boom or Community Bust?
The policy has already begun to shift the local property market. According to recent reports, some Rose Bay property owners have seen land values soar, with multi-lot sales potentially reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. One group of 16 homeowners on Wilberforce Avenue is reportedly considering a joint sale that could exceed $160 million.
While this has created financial opportunities for some, others fear it will make Rose Bay even less affordable. Forum attendees expressed concern that the increase in apartment stock would not benefit first-time buyers or downsizing retirees, but instead lead to inflated prices that push locals out.
Residents also raised questions about the impact on roads, schools, stormwater systems and tree cover, all of which they say are already stretched.
Locals argue they are not against growth, but want development that fits the scale and character of the area. The call from residents and officials is not for a halt to housing reform, but for greater transparency and planning tailored to community needs.
Council has lodged a second FOI request and says it will continue to pursue all avenues, including legal review, if answers aren’t forthcoming.
Published 20-June-2025