University of Sydney contests $80,470 affordable housing levy over $5.6 million renovation

The University of Sydney seeks approval for a $5.6 million redevelopment that includes a ground-level kitchen and other alterations to its Abercrombie student housing in Darlington. City of Sydney Council approved the proposal only after imposing an $80,470 affordable-housing contribution, a standard requirement for developments in the area. University infrastructure officer Debbie McNamara contended that the renovation does not add new beds to the 200-place facility and therefore should be exempt from the levy.

Council representatives highlighted that the site is on state-owned Crown land, meaning any contribution must be agreed to by the applicant, and such disputes are escalated to the minister. The local planning panel has forwarded the case to Planning Minister Paul Scully’s office for a ruling. The university maintains its commitment to affordable student housing, citing broader plans to create 2,000 low-cost beds over five years.