A letter to the editor from Ross Duncan, one of our PPPG committee members published in the SMH 14/1/2026, highlighting the nonsensical destruction of real “affordable housing” in Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, and Rushcutters Bay, the home to a diverse community of over 15,000 residents who contribute to the rich heritage and spirit of this unique area.

Jan 13, 2026

“It is interesting to note that one day after the SMH runs a story about young people getting a foothold in the inner Sydney property market by purchasing smaller dwellings, such as studio and one-bedroom apartments (“Cassandra grew up in a large family home. Then she found something better”, January 12), they report that the NSW government has approved a proposal to demolish 80 studio apartments in Potts Point and replace them with about 34 larger, luxury pads (“Sydney units face the wrecking ball for $91m luxury apartment block”, January 13). Equally questionable is the fact that, while the government ratified a City of Sydney reform to ensure new developments don’t result in more than 15 per cent net dwelling loss, this rule apparently doesn’t apply to proposals under the government’s own state significant development process. How any of this effectively addresses the housing crisis is anyone’s guess.”