Contested housing: the great YIMBY vs NIMBY debate

In recent years a new movement known as ‘YIMBY’ (‘Yes In My Backyard’) has emerged. ‘YIMBIES’ argue that planning and regulatory barriers serving local ‘NIMBY’ (‘Not In My Backyard’ property owners) block new and higher density housing, causing affordability pressures across the market. By contrast, many so called ‘NIMBIES’ reject the proposition that ‘supply’ is the only solution to high cost housing.  In this session, housing advocates and experts debate the proposition that supply side barriers are to blame for Australia’s housing crisis and recommend strategies to fix the housing system.  

Panel: 

Eamon Waterford, CEO, Committee for Sydney   

Luke Cass, Editor, Honi Soit 

Max Holleran, Lecturer in Social Policy, the University of Melbourne  

Melissa Neighbour, Principal Planner, Sky Planning  

Michael Koziol, Sydney editor, The Sydney Morning Herald

Chair: Professor Nicole Gurran, Director Henry Halloran Research Trust, the University of Sydney  

This conversation is part of the annual Festival of Urbanism, hosted by the University of Sydney's Henry Halloran Research Trust.  

How will new housing, environmental, or infrastructure reform agendas advanced by governments and others confront these challenges, and whose voices will, or should, be heard? Can contests of ideas and values lead to more innovative or inclusive models of urban governance or design?   The 10th Festival of Urbanism will confront these questions through a series of robust panel discussions, podcasts and film events involving researchers, policy makers, industry experts and community leaders across Australia. Join this free program of events by attending a Festival session in Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth or Lismore; or by catching an on-demand recording or podcast online.