First-home buyers who used the government's 5 per cent deposit scheme in Sydney and Melbourne unit markets face the greatest risk of negative equity, according to a FoundIt report. Average home prices in both cities are more than 6 per cent below last year's levels. Buyers who entered the market shortly after the scheme's October expansion could owe tens of thousands of dollars after selling. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg called the expansion unfair, while a spokesperson for Minister Clare O'Neil said the scheme had saved buyers money.
The NSW Government will add 190 new bus services on routes 413 and 418 before the South-West Metro opens on Friday 30 October. Route 413, which runs between Campsie and the Sydney CBD, will gain 173 extra weekly trips. Off-peak 413 buses will run every 20 minutes instead of every 30. Route 418, linking Burwood and Sydenham, will receive 17 extra weekly trips. Transport Minister John Graham said the extra services work with the Metro. Local MP Jo Haylen said the changes would improve frequency and operating hours for residents.
About 300 people rallied outside the Inner West Council meeting at Ashfield Town Hall on October 20, demanding more consultation time and information on the Fairer Future Plan 2. Lilyfield residents said they received notice of the plan only two weeks into the six-week consultation period. A motion to extend consultation to February was voted down 8-7 by the Labor majority. Mayor Darcy Byrne offered an extra week of consultation, but only for Lilyfield. Submissions close on October 28.
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An investigation has been launched into whether a new State Emergency Service facility could be built at Callan Park. The Inner West Council and the SES are considering whether one of the park's empty buildings could suit vehicle bays, training rooms, administration space and volunteer amenities. The planned changes follow the passing of a bill that makes it easier for new activities to use existing infrastructure. Planning Minister Paul Scully said the facility could be achieved without losing green space, as demolishing unused buildings would increase public parkland.
Police have released CCTV images of a man they believe can assist with inquiries into an alleged sexual touching incident at Ashfield Train Station in Sydney's Inner West. Police were called to the station at about 3.05pm on Sunday after reports of the alleged incident. Officers were told a 30-year-old woman had been inappropriately touched. The man in the footage is described as Caucasian, aged in his 30s or 50s, of medium build and bald, with tattoos on his neck, arms and legs.
