Clover Moore’s Housing Tantrum: Councils Failed, Now They’re Complaining

The housing crisis in Australia is spiralling out of control, yet some local councils seem more interested in protecting their bureaucratic turf than getting homes built. 

Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, is the latest to throw a tantrum, calling the state government’s Housing Development Authority (HDA) a “step backwards.” 

In reality, it’s one of the only steps forward in a broken system drowning in red tape.

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Councils Are the Problem—Not the Solution

Premier Chris Minns didn’t set up the HDA for fun. He did it because councils have been painfully slow in approving development applications, dragging their feet while housing affordability crumbles. 

Sydney recorded its worst year for building approvals in over a decade in 2023, with just 28,322 residential buildings approved. That’s less than half of the 58,000 approvals from 2016.

So, when councils cry foul over losing control, let’s be clear: they had control, and they failed. Now, the state is stepping in to clean up the mess.

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Moore’s Rant: All Complaints, No Solutions

In her 2000-word diatribe, Moore didn’t offer a single bold idea for solving the crisis. Instead, it was the usual NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) rhetoric—long on objections, short on actual solutions. If councils want to be taken seriously, they need to come up with real, scalable ways to deliver housing. Otherwise, they should step aside and let those who can.

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Fast-Tracking Housing Isn’t a ‘Step Backwards’—It’s the Only Way Forward

The HDA has already greenlit over 6000 homes in 11 major developments, cutting through the delays that have plagued the industry. Of course, the panel must maintain integrity and ensure quality outcomes, but shutting it down now would be insane. The housing crisis doesn’t need more debate—it needs action.

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Investors, Take Note: Supavest OCP & TIC Property Offer Real Solutions

While councils drag their feet and politicians argue, investors have an opportunity to be part of the solution. Supavest OCP and TIC Property provide alternative pathways to property investment that bypass traditional barriers. With strategies focused on high-demand, high-growth areas, these platforms give investors the chance to fund developments that actually get built—rather than worseninglanguishing in council limbo.

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It’s Time to Get Real About Housing

The debate over housing approvals is a waste of time if it doesn’t lead to action. 

The HDA is doing what councils failed to do: 

Cutting through the red tape and fast-tracking much-needed homes. 

Instead of whining, local leaders should step up with real solutions—or step aside and let progress happen.

Book a call today to find out how you can be part of the Supavest solution.

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