Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the announcement demonstrated leadership in tackling Sydney's housing crisis and responded to the Property Council's calls for more ambition in unlocking government land for housing.
"This is a strong and positive step forward, with the project to include a welcome mix of BTR, affordable housing and market housing," Ms Stevenson said.
"The decision to scale up development at this site and prioritise essential workers directly with a BTR model responds to our recommendations to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Essential Worker Housing last year," she said.
Ms Stevenson said the government's use of BTR was a smart approach that would deliver secure, professionally managed rental homes with long-term stability.
"BTR is a proven model overseas and is gaining traction in Australia as a way to create well-designed, well-located rental options for residents," she said.
The announcement also aligns with the Property Council's Beyond Reach report, released in November, which found housing costs were pushing essential workers further from their jobs.
"Providing nurses, teachers, and first responders access to secure, well-located housing is critical for Sydney's economic and social fabric," Ms Stevenson said.
"The Camperdown project shows how surplus government land can be put to work for essential worker housing, and government ownership of the site means rental income could help fund future expansion of the essential worker housing program."
Ms Stevenson said the Property Council would continue working with the government to replicate similar initiatives across NSW.
"The BTR model provides a unique opportunity to deliver more rental homes at scale, and we encourage the government to explore further ways to support its expansion.
"The private sector stands ready to work alongside government to accelerate housing delivery, and we look forward to further positive action in this space," she said.
