In a defining moment for urban planning and housing reform in New South Wales, the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) hosted a sold-out crowd for its BA5 event, Housing & Planning NSW 2.0, welcoming more than 300 business leaders, industry professionals, and policymakers to a night of powerful dialogue and policy innovation.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by the Hon. Paul Scully MP, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, who unveiled the government’s forward-thinking approach to accelerating housing supply and simplifying the approval process across the state.
Minister Scully officially launched the NSW Housing Pattern Book — a landmark initiative that provides eight architect-designed, sustainable home templates available for just $1 each, all eligible for fast-tracked development approval within 10 to 20 days. This move, he explained, is designed to unlock housing supply, speed up delivery, and empower communities with practical, well-designed housing solutions.
“This Pattern Book is not just about design — it’s about delivering homes that people can afford, that councils can approve quickly, and that communities can be proud of,” Minister Scully said during his address. “It’s a bold step forward in tackling the housing crisis with smart, scalable solutions.”
The announcement was met with enthusiastic support from the crowd, especially when paired with details of the Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee — a complementary measure aimed at removing financing bottlenecks for developers and ensuring viable projects move from plans to homes.
The event was masterfully moderated by Eddy Chahine, whose expert facilitation kept the conversation grounded, engaging, and relevant. Attendees praised Chahine’s ability to bridge policy detail with community perspective, making complex planning reforms accessible and actionable.
Among the distinguished guests was Mayor of Burwood, John Faker, whose remarks echoed the importance of collaborative leadership in solving regional housing challenges. “It’s clear that planning reform is no longer a matter of ‘if’ — it’s about how we do it responsibly and inclusively,” Mayor Faker said.
CBCC CEO Wally Mehanna commended the state government’s approach and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to driving dialogue that produces real results for the community. “Tonight was a testament to what happens when government, business, and community come together with a shared goal — to build a better, more sustainable future,” he said.
The event closed with networking, lively discussion, and a shared sense of optimism about the future of housing in NSW. With actionable reforms on the table and a government eager to engage, the CBCC BA5 Housing & Planning NSW 2.0 event will be remembered as a turning point in the state’s planning narrative.
