Since the company came to town, my rent’s gone up. What can I do?
Quote from Community Member on 9 December 2025, 3:18 pmDisclaimer: This post is a demonstration of our ‘Collaborative Conversations’ Forum. The information provided is based on examples of conversations our experts have had.
Since the mining company came to town, I’ve noticed rents have gone through the roof. A lot of locals are getting priced out and we’re feeling squeezed. Is this something they’re supposed to manage?
Disclaimer: This post is a demonstration of our ‘Collaborative Conversations’ Forum. The information provided is based on examples of conversations our experts have had.
Since the mining company came to town, I’ve noticed rents have gone through the roof. A lot of locals are getting priced out and we’re feeling squeezed. Is this something they’re supposed to manage?
Quote from Expert on 9 December 2025, 3:26 pmThanks for raising this, it’s a common concern, and yes, companies do have a responsibility to identify and manage social impacts like housing pressure. This is typically addressed through a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), which includes looking at things like workforce accommodation, rental affordability, and pressure on local services.
If this wasn’t done properly, or if circumstances have changed, there are options. You can:
- Check if there’s a Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) for the project
- Engage with local council to raise the issue formally
- Organise a meeting with the company’s community liaison officer
- Document your observations (rental trends, vacancies, changes).
Would you like help drafting a letter or preparing talking points?
Thanks for raising this, it’s a common concern, and yes, companies do have a responsibility to identify and manage social impacts like housing pressure. This is typically addressed through a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), which includes looking at things like workforce accommodation, rental affordability, and pressure on local services.
If this wasn’t done properly, or if circumstances have changed, there are options. You can:
- Check if there’s a Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) for the project
- Engage with local council to raise the issue formally
- Organise a meeting with the company’s community liaison officer
- Document your observations (rental trends, vacancies, changes).
Would you like help drafting a letter or preparing talking points?
Quote from Community Member on 9 December 2025, 3:27 pmI didn’t know there was a management plan. Is that public? And what if the company says it’s not their issue?
I didn’t know there was a management plan. Is that public? And what if the company says it’s not their issue?
Quote from Expert on 9 December 2025, 3:27 pmGood question. SIMPs are often public documents, especially for State Significant Developments. You can check your state government’s planning portal (e.g. NSW’s Major Projects portal) and search by project name.
If the company says it’s not their issue, ask for the baseline data from their SIA. If there was no housing pressure then, and there is now, you have grounds to request a review. The company may be able to offer mitigations like support for social housing, rent assistance for critical workers, or even a rental impact study.
Good question. SIMPs are often public documents, especially for State Significant Developments. You can check your state government’s planning portal (e.g. NSW’s Major Projects portal) and search by project name.
If the company says it’s not their issue, ask for the baseline data from their SIA. If there was no housing pressure then, and there is now, you have grounds to request a review. The company may be able to offer mitigations like support for social housing, rent assistance for critical workers, or even a rental impact study.