NSW Legislative Council MP John Ruddick says his days working on a cotton farm near Walgett is part of the inspiration behind his push to launch an inquiry into helping farmers obtain a second dwelling on their property.

‘’I still go out there to Rowena and work on my holidays, its cotton and sheep property," he told the Western Plains App.

‘’I want communities in the Western Plains to make submissions; this will be a huge relief for land owners. Building a second home on their properties.''

He says there are submissions coming in already and wants our farmers to be involved before the October 10 deadline.

Tooraweenah farmer Kylie Moppett said she was looking at making a submission.

‘’It has been a crazy law not allowing our farmers to build a second dwelling on their farm," she said.

‘’This would be fantastic and important for a second home on the property, I fully support this.’’

John Ruddick MLC is chair of the Select Committee on Rural Housing and Second Dwellings Reform. [IMAGE: NSW Parliament]

Mr Ruddick says the Select Committee on Rural Housing and Second Dwellings Reform will examine a range of potential changes to planning controls, with a focus on streamlining approval pathways, addressing zoning and environmental considerations, and assessing the impacts on rural land use, infrastructure, and housing outcomes.

‘’The planning laws can change for our communities, this is do-able.’’ Ruddick is the chair of the committee set up for an inquiry,’’ he said.

"New South Wales faces a housing crisis.

"Rising property prices and rents push young families away from their communities, separating generations.

"Encouraging families to live closer, especially near elderly parents, would ease demand on aged care and childcare.

"Current rules restrict building second homes on rural properties, making this harder."

The inquiry will look into a simple and affordable solution to housing affordability, including allowing rural landowners to build a second home without unnecessary restrictions.

"This is not a handout or a subsidy," Mr Ruddick said.

"It's about giving rural property owners the freedom to say, ‘Just let us build.’ It’s the simplest, lowest-cost solution to ease the housing crisis in New South Wales.

"Making it easier to build second dwellings could affect over 350,000 citizens, support multigenerational living, boost regional economies, and deliver affordable housing without costing taxpayers a cent."

The committee is inviting submissions from interested stakeholders and members of the community.

The closing date for submissions is 10 October 2025.

For more information about this inquiry, including the committee membership and terms of reference, see the inquiry webpage.