SYDNEY IN 2031

The Government has a vision for the shape of Sydney in 2031. This vision is about achieving the Metropolitan Strategy aims through smarter planning for a stronger Sydney. The eight key elements of the vision are as follows:

1. Stronger cities within the metropolitan area

Sydney City and North Sydney will continue to be the harbour cities at the heart of Global Sydney. They will be the focus for world class business, tourism, cultural, health, education and entertainment activities. The river cities of Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith will provide a focus for innovative business environments, jobs and more lifestyle and work opportunities closer to growing parts of Sydney. These centres will attract new shopping, health, education, business and cultural facilities.

2. STRONG GLOBAL ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

The corridor of concentrated jobs and activity in centres, from North Sydney to Macquarie Park and the City to Airport and Port Botany has been the powerhouse of Sydney and Australia's economy. Sufficient zoned land will be provided for business and enterprise in locations with high quality transport access.

3. MORE JOBS IN WESTERN SYDNEY

More jobs are expected to locate in the regional cities and specialised centres in Western Sydney. An innovation strategy will support emerging clusters of high value health and education activities. Sufficient employment lands will be provided for business, manufacturing, warehousing and transport activities with high quality access to the orbital motorway network (M4/M7).

4. CONTAIN SYDNEY'S URBAN FOOTPRINT

Valued rural and resource lands extending to the Nepean-Hawkesbury and foothills of the Southern Highlands will be recognised and protected. New land will not be released for urban development unless it meets the Government's sustainability criteria. Sydney's green areas will continue to provide habitat for native animals, food and other raw materials for Sydney and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Western Sydney's diverse plants and habitat will be protected.

5. MAJOR CENTRES WILL EMERGE AS JOBS, SERVICE AND RESIDENTIAL LOCATIONS

Major centres such as Bankstown, Blacktown, Bondi Junction, Brookvale/Dee Why, Burwood, Campbelltown, Castle Hill, Chatswood, Hornsby, Hurstville and Kogarah will be a focus for shopping, health and tertiary education and some medium and high density housing.

6. Fair access to housing, jobs, services and open space

Improved suburban centres and neighbourhoods will provide healthier environments and access to high quality and suitable housing, jobs, transport choices and open space. A mix of housing types, parks and public places will be available in different locations across the region. Development will be limited in suburban neighbourhoods to protect local character.

7. CONNECTED CENTRES

The transport network will be expanded and improved to provide access to jobs and services in the global economic corridor. Investment in the rail network and strategic bus corridors will provide faster and direct public transport linking suburban centres and areas where jobs are concentrated.

8. BETTER CONNECTED AND STRONGER REGIONS

Jobs will be linked with housing growth and improved communications and transport connections in the Central Coast, Illawarra and the Lower Hunter. Enhanced interconnectivity is vital in lowering the cost of doing business and to spread the benefits of growth in Sydney to the regions. Strong regional cities at Newcastle, Wollongong and Gosford will provide environments for specialisation and innovation, as more freight and port related activities locate to these regions.

  • Separate regional strategies, to be completed in 2006/07, will emphasise the importance of economic and employment growth as key drivers of population and wealth creation.
  • 'The Central Coast will grow its economic diversity and jobs to provide more local employment options.
  • ' The Lower Hunter's increasingly robust economy will support additional residential, employment and infrastructure growth subject to appropriate protection of the region's biodiversity.
  • 'The Illawarra is geographically and environmentally constrained but will house moderate growth through new West Dapto release areas and urban renewal in centres.

The Strategy Map on the following page shows the key elements of the Government's future vision for Sydney.