Drawing on lessons from London and Paris, a reportby Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore shows how much more governments and councils can do – and how they can pay for it.

Only 9% of housing in the City of Sydney is affordable, social or public housing. Compare this to London and Paris, which have achieved 25% – 44% affordable housing.

Community groups are able to hire council halls and meeting rooms for free – and be covered by the City of Sydney’s public liability insurance - following a community campaign and Greens motions through Council. 

Working with the community and public housing tenants, the Greens have helped to stop the sell off of public housing, and protect public housing from demolition. 

Gas in new residential development and beyond will be banned, following new planning rules endorsed by council. 

The Greens successfully moved to have “Refugees are welcome ” banners flown during Refugee Week and displayed in our community spaces throughout the year. 

New planning rules introduced by the Greens aim to protect existing affordable homes being demolished to create luxury apartments that less people can live in.  

Open days to welcome trans and gender diverse people to council pools are being held in the inner city, following a successful Greens motion through council in 2022.  

The Greens have helped ensure streets, parks and heritage recognise Sydney’s Aboriginal identity and history, and the role of multi-cultural communities including Chinese-Australian migrants.

In December 2023, the City of Sydney voted for a Greens motion, called on the Australian Government to take urgent actions towards a ceasefire in Gaza.