David Barwell
David Barwell is an urban affairs reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald
Bat boom sparks backlash as 50,000 flying foxes descend on Sydney suburb
A colony of 50,000 bats has set up camp in a Sydney suburb, leaving residents battling noise, droppings and odour – and authorities searching for answers.
- David Barwell
Latest
‘Disappointing’: Why Sydney’s oldest bowling club was forced to close
After almost 150 years, mounting losses have forced the closure of the historic community and sporting hub in Balmain and cast doubt over the site’s future.
- David Barwell
Short-term rental crackdown sparks housing row on Sydney’s most famous beach
Short-term rental rules across Australia’s most internationally recognised beachside strips could be overhauled in a move to ease a housing crisis gripping Sydney.
- David Barwell
The CCTV images that helped sink a Sydney hostel’s rooftop visions
Residents of two high-end Sydney apartment blocks say they have spent years pleading for a decent night’s sleep. Now they’ve clocked up a significant victory.
- David Barwell
‘FIFO playground for the rich’: Tensions soar over luxury resort’s helicopter plan
Tourism, road failures and the community have collided over a contentious transport plan by a luxury retreat in the Blue Mountains.
- David Barwell
The inquiry, the Facebook post, and the midnight gunfire that followed
An inquiry probing kangaroo shooting practices in NSW ended with late-night gunfire and a wildlife rescuer fearing for his family’s safety.
- David Barwell
‘Visual chaos’ or vibrant drawcard? The battle to save The Rocks’ fairy lights
A 125-page government strategy has sparked community debate over fairy and festoon lighting in Sydney’s oldest suburb.
- David Barwell
The Sydney school oval, the two-metre fence and the $585,000 demand
What was once an open neighbourhood playing field is now at the centre of a $585,000 dispute over public space and security.
- David Barwell
From town hall to TikTok: The Sydney councils spending big on influencers
Sydney councils are increasingly turning to influencers to market everything from bike paths to breweries. And one is a particularly big spender.
- David Barwell
The suburban Lime bike wave and the battle for Sydney’s footpaths
As complaints rise and the NSW government moves to tighten regulations, the fight over shared e-bikes is becoming a key test for Sydney’s transport future.
- David Barwell