19 May 2026
Today is a momentous day for Wollondilly landowners close to the Western Sydney International Airport because today’s Government Gazette contains the notice of an amendment to the relevant state environmental planning policy (SEPP) reinstating landowners’ rights to build a granny flat on their properties. The SEPP amendment from today benefits landowners in Silverdale, Warragamba, Werombi, Wallacia, Theresa Park and Orangeville - around the Western Sydney International Airport.
This journey began in 2021, prior to my election to NSW Parliament when the Federal and NSW Governments drafted and enacted a number of legislative changes including noise contours and changed land use tables - prioritised the promotion and protection of the new 24/7 WSI Airport and surrounding Parkland City precinct. What immediately followed the Governments’ announcements were concerns and frustrations shared by landowners and residents in a 30km radius of the WSI airport who were barred from enjoying the right to build granny flats in their own backyards. I listened to frustrated landowners who had architectural plans drawn up ready to submit to the local council to be turned away and others who bought their properties specifically to build a dwelling for themselves and others who envisioned building a granny flat for their parents.
For five years, households and families were in limbo, subjected to rushed NSW planning system changes that overrode Wollondilly’s Local Environmental Plan. On election to NSW Parliament I proposed a Bill to amend the SEPP. The Minister for Planning requested I withdraw the Bill and to work with them. I continued to battle and advocate for constituents even taking the Premier to visit affected residents. Finally today The SEPP amendment was gazetted. It represents perseverance, consistency and collaboration with affected constituents, the Minister for Planning’s office, and many other stakeholders involved in the passage of the SEPP amendment (Bill) through the NSW Parliament. It was amazing to effectively lead successful influencing of the NSW Government to draft, consult and support the legislative changes that have been rubber stamped today.
This announcement is a significant milestone I have proactively advocated for a period of five years and personally led in the NSW Parliament for three years. The amendment would permit much needed new affordable housing opportunities, housing close to jobs and services within 30 minutes of Bradfield and WSI Airport.
From today, the planning run-way is paved - young adults could stay in a secondary dwelling and have the time to save for their new home. Also ageing parents/grandparents can downsize into a second dwelling on their property.
The SEPP amendment restores the permissibility of secondary dwellings across Wollondilly LGA. I am excited that secondary dwelling approval numbers can take off!
Please contact Wollondilly Shire Council and obtain further independent advice about how this SEPP amendment applies to your property and plans to build a secondary dwelling.
Link to SEPP gazettal notice dated 15 May 2026
Link to NSW Government media release dated 19 May 2026 (ABC Illawarra story)
Media: [email protected] or Louise Edgecombe 0437 353 209