Councillor Ben Wang - Independent View - on O’Briens Estate: Balancing Heritage and Housing in Hurstville
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In a recent conversation with 90.1 NBC FM, Independent Councillor for Hurstville, Ben Wang, shared his personal views on one of Georges River Council’s most debated issues: the future of O’Briens Estate, one of only three Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs) in the council.
Located near Hurstville Station, the estate is recognised for its early 20th-century Federation and Inter-War homes—pitched roofs, ornate detailing, and tree-lined setbacks that together form a rare historic enclave just steps away from a bustling CBD.
While O’Briens Estate’s heritage status under the Georges River Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2021 celebrates its unique character, it has also sparked heated community debate.
The Debate Over Heritage Status For O’Briens Estate
Councillor Wang explained that unlike some other parts of Sydney, O’Briens Estate has no individually heritage-listed houses. Instead, its HCA designation protects the overall streetscape and aesthetic.
For many residents, this means extra hurdles and costs: development applications for even small renovations, heritage-compliant materials that can run into the thousands, and lengthy approval processes. Some homes have even fallen into disrepair because owners cannot afford to maintain them to heritage standards.
While heritage aims to preserve history and community pride, studies suggest property values in O’Briens Estate can be 10–20% lower than comparable homes outside the HCA. Unlike some councils, Georges River currently offers no grants or financial support to offset these costs.
Calls for Change
A resident-led petition is pushing for alignment with the state’s latest Low and Mid-Rise Housing (LMR) and Transport Oriented Development (TOD) reforms. In simple terms, residents want:
More housing options — Allowing townhouses and apartments near Hurstville Station.
Revised heritage rules — Protecting genuine heritage while reconsidering the HCA’s scope.
Better infrastructure — Including Hurstville Station in NSW’s 10-Year Plan for upgrades.
Less red tape — A faster, clearer DA process for renovations and housing.
Open engagement — Ongoing collaboration between residents, council, and government.
Finding a Middle Ground
Councillor Wang believes there is a path forward that balances heritage and growth. He suggests that thoughtful planning changes could allow low-rise and mid-rise developments that complement the estate’s character rather than erasing it.
He envisions O’Briens Estate as a potential “green heritage precinct”, where sustainability features such as solar panels, green roofs, and water reuse are integrated into new developments, making the estate a leader in net-zero living while preserving its Federation and Inter-War charm.
“Heritage shouldn’t be a straitjacket, nor should we discard it,” Wang said. “We can grow smartly, creating new stories and housing while respecting our past.”
The Road Ahead
The future of O’Briens Estate highlights the wider challenge facing Sydney: balancing the urgent demand for new housing with the preservation of historic character. For Georges River Council, this means tough decisions about zoning, planning, and infrastructure investment.
Councillor Wang closed by emphasising the importance of community collaboration:
“With community collaboration and a vision for sustainable growth, I’m confident O’Briens Estate can lead the way in balancing heritage and housing for Sydney’s future.”
This block has the potential to provide a significant number of new homes if the land is used wisely. Unfortunately, a group of NIMBYs are fearful of any change, and their resistance has held Hurstville back for decades compared with other Chinese communities such as Burwood, Strathfield, and Chatswood. What a wasted opportunity.
Families in O’Brien’s Estate are struggling just to keep their homes safe and livable — being forced to spend tens of thousands on “heritage” repairs when none of these houses are even heritage-listed. Declaring the area a conservation zone without real heritage items has only created hardship, making basic upgrades like insulation or window replacement nearly impossible. People deserve homes they can actually maintain at a reasonable cost, without feeling their basic property rights are being undermined. It’s time to honestly reassess whether these restrictions are fair, because people deserve dignity in maintaining their homes today — and NSW also needs smarter planning to prepare for the housing shortages of tomorrow.