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The Hawkesbury played host this past weekend to John Ruddick MLC, Chair of the NSW Parliament’s Select Committee on Rural Housing and Second Dwellings Reform, who met with local landowners and community leaders to discuss the future of dual occupancy in rural areas.
The visit was warmly received, with residents sharing stories of frustration over restrictive rules that prevent them from building detached second dwellings on their own land. While neighbouring councils such as Penrith already allow detached dual occupancy, Hawkesbury only recently passed a motion to approve the practice.
Clearing Up the Rules
Confusion around planning terminology has long been a barrier for landowners. A key distinction is between secondary dwellings and dual occupancies:
- Secondary dwellings (often called “granny flats”) in rural areas of The Hills Shire are capped at 110 m² or 20% of the floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller.
- Dual occupancies in The Hills must be attached to the main house, whereas secondary dwellings do not.
- In contrast, detached dual occupancies are permissible in the Penrith Council LGA, offering more flexibility for landholders.
Hawkesbury residents argue they should be afforded the same opportunities on their larger rural properties.
Landowners Seek Flexibility
One of the residents who met with Mr Ruddick was Kurrajong landowner Dave Vassallo, who owns ten acres. His simple wish is to build a second dwelling for his elderly mother.
“Under the current rules, I can’t, even while landowners in denser suburbs can put in granny flats on tiny blocks,” Mr Vassallo said. “It’s madness.”
Local Leaders Speak Out
Community advocate and Hawkesbury Councillor Nathan Zamprogno, who invited Mr Ruddick to the Hawkesbury, said the visit demonstrated the momentum building for reform.
“It was a great pleasure to invite John Ruddick MLC to visit the Hawkesbury. In his recently appointed role as the Chairman of the Select Committee on Rural Housing and Second Dwellings Reform, John expressed an interest in meeting with landowners who support reform in rural housing rules,” Mr Zamprogno said.
“The wave of support we have gained for the initiative we began in the Hawkesbury has shown the way to the NSW Parliament, and I am hopeful that this reform will be adopted state-wide.”
Mr Zamprogno also outlined the social benefits of dual occupancy:
- Allowing elderly parents to live close to family with independence and dignity.
- Helping adult children get a foothold in the property market while staying in the communities they grew up in.
- Reducing demand on aged care and childcare systems.
“It’s an economic no-brainer,” he said.
Support from Local Leaders
Mayor Les Sheather joined the discussions at Kurmond Social, hosted by owner Anthony.
While early reports suggested State Member Robyn Preston was present, her office clarified that she attended a separate meeting with Mr Ruddick, his staffers and Cr Zamprogno at a local office, but was not at the Kurmond Social meeting.
Mr Zamprogno expressed gratitude for the political support and stressed the importance of collaboration between leaders and the community.
“I warmly invite Mr Ruddick and the other members of the Select Committee to return to the Hawkesbury to conduct public hearings,” he said.
Next Steps: Community Submissions Open
The Select Committee on Rural Housing and Second Dwellings Reform is currently calling for submissions, with a deadline of 10 October 2025.
Landowners and residents who support reform are encouraged to share their views, even briefly, through the NSW Parliament’s submissions portal.
👉 Make a Submission Here https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=338&utm
Mr Ruddick also expanded on the issue during an interview on Hawkesbury Radio with Shaun Williams, aired earlier today. His remarks appear in the first ten minutes of the program.
A Reform With Local Impact
As housing affordability and aged care pressures mount, the dual occupancy reform debate strikes at the heart of how Hawkesbury families will be able to live, care, and stay connected across generations.
For many, the ability to build a second dwelling isn’t just about flexibility – it’s about family, dignity, and ensuring the Hawkesbury remains a place where young and old alike can thrive.
The Gazette will continue to follow this issue as the parliamentary inquiry progresses.
