Sydney is unquestionably the nation's leading metropolis. After 20 years of rapid growth, it is Australia's gateway to the world for economic development, business, tourism, and a major entertainment, recreation and retail destination.
City of Cities -A Plan for Sydney's Future, reflects a new phase in the development of Sydney.
From its humble beginnings huddled by the Tank Stream in 1788, Sydney has spread outwards in several distinct phases, firstly to the east and inner west. The city then expanded to the north with the opening of the Harbour Bridge, followed by westward growth to Parramatta and Penrith and along transport routes, and then to other centres within the Sydney basin.
Given the city's natural limitations, the next phase of growth demands more careful planning and coordination. Above all, it must be sustainable - financially, economically, environmentally and socially
To achieve this, the Plan seeks to balance growth with financially viable infrastructure, better lifestyles and urban design with housing affordability, environmental sensitivity with economically feasible land development, and the location of employment land accessible to residential areas.
To position Sydney for the next 25 years of growth, our Plan supports a metropolis made up of five regional cities and 22 other strategic centres.
Our goal is to strengthen these five key centres -not just the two harbour cities of the CBD and North Sydney, but our river cities at Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith.
More than two million people now call Western Sydney home, and it is time to spread the benefits of Sydney's success further.
The Government is planning for almost 400,000 new dwellings and over 200,000 new jobs in Western Sydney by 2031. These new residents should not have to travel long distances to reach employment, shopping, recreation, leisure, culture and waterside activities.
In addition to Sydney's five regional cities, the Plan also identifies major centres which will be rejuvenated to provide more localised shopping, jobs, business and civic activities.
For the first time, planning for Sydney's future has identifie! d specialised centres which play a critical role in the city's economy. These centres contain concentrated business and research functions or airport and port facilities which are vital to create wealth and high-quality jobs.
This complex of centres, together with support for the development of jobs and activities and better transport connections, will provide more opportunities for residents right across Sydney.
This Plan for Sydney's Future is the starting point of an ongoing process to manage the city's growth better than ever before. It builds on the other elements of the Government's Metropolitan Strategy, which include the Metropolitan Water Plan and the plans for Managing Sydney's Growth Centres.
From the Plan will spring a range of detailed programs involving interaction and discussion between Government, local councils, business and local communities.
I thank my Department and all who have participated in crafting the Plan, which could not have been achieved without a cooperative effort.
FRANK SARTOR
MINISTER FOR PLANNING