EMPLOYMENT GROWTH AND CHANGE-PLANNING FOR JOBS

The number of jobs in Sydney is linked to the population of the area, and to its ability to attract business and compete in the global economy.

The ageing of the population and a 'levelling off' of the recent high rates of increase in labour force participation is likely to slow the growth of the work force, especially after 2010. However, Sydney is likely to remain a magnet for jobs and investment allowing it to replenish its labour pool more easily than other regions.

Base employment projections provide for around 450,000 additional jobs by 2031 in Sydney. A higher end scenario assumes an increase of 500,000 jobs to a total of 2.5 million by 2031. An additional 50,000 to 100,000 jobs are anticipated for the Illawarra and Lower Hunter.

As is the case for planning for housing, it is prudent to plan for a higher jobs growth scenario to ensure that there is more than enough land-well connected by transport-for future employment outcomes. The Economy a! nd Employment Strategy is planning for up to 500,000 new jobs in Sydney in 2031.

Different categories of jobs are likely to grow at different rates.

Sydney's employment growth is likely to continue the pattern of recent years, reflecting the evolution of the economy toward higher value business activities in design, finance, legal and business services-many with a global orientation.

With increasing wealth and population ageing, there will be a greater demand for retail goods, personal and domestic services, and health and leisure related services.

These jobs will be principally located in centres of all sizes. Around 6.4 million square metres of commercial floor space will be required for the growth of jobs in these sectors.

Sydney's agricultural base remains important, and as rural land value increases it may be used more intensively, generating additional jobs. This sort of economic diversity within the broader Sydney region provides a! variety of job choices for the labour force.

Jobs trad! itionally located in industrial areas-manufacturing, textiles, clothing, machinery, transport and storage-are predicted to decline, but maintain their share of value in the economy.

The transport, storage and logistics functions associated with the assembly and distribution of goods will increase in Sydney. This latter factor coupled with mechanisation is driving the increasing consumption of land in the industry areas of manufacturing, storage and transport, particularly in the outer areas of the city.

Up to 7,500 hectares of industrial land will need to be set aside for these activities.

High quality connections to efficient transport routes are critical for these industry sectors.

The changing structure of the economy presents new land use and management challenges, as well as infrastructure investment imperatives, for transport, communications, education and skills.