Shifting sentiment: Communities are reframing the housing conversation

As housing demand continues to rise across New South Wales, a noticeable shift is emerging in how communities perceive new development. During recent engagement in north-west Sydney, Community Insights Consulting spoke with nearby residents, businesses, and neighbours about a proposed housing project designed to increase supply and stimulate the local economy.

“We’re seeing a growing awareness of the need for well-located housing — close to public transport, schools, hospitals, and commercial hubs — and a willingness to engage in meaningful conversations about how best to plan for future growth.”

This shift in sentiment reflects not only changing community priorities, but also the importance of clear, inclusive, and evidence-based engagement. With recent announcements from NSW Premier Chris Minns to streamline planning approvals and standardise consultation processes, the role of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement becomes even more critical.

At Community Insights Consulting, we support clients with:

• Stakeholder mapping and analysis

• Risk strategy and mitigation planning

• Engagement for State-led planning proposals

• Consultation for State Significant Developments

We believe that building community knowledge is key to building better housing outcomes. That means working collaboratively with architects, planners, and developers to ensure every engagement is tailored, transparent, and grounded in local context.

Want to learn more about how we support housing projects across NSW?