A Metropolis of Three Cities the Greater Sydney Region Plan

Summary

The Greater Sydney Region Plan outlines a vision for Sydney’s future growth, focusing on three distinct cities: the Western Parkland City, Central River City, and Eastern Harbour City. The plan coordinates infrastructure development with housing, jobs, transport, and services, aiming for improved livability, sustainability, and economic strength. It includes the creation of 725,000 new homes, 817,000 jobs, and better transportation options by 2036, with a focus on environmental preservation and resilience to climate change. The plan sets a framework for strategic growth, improving the quality of life across Greater Sydney over the next 20 years.

Takeaways

• 😀 Greater Sydney is growing and requires a comprehensive plan to manage its development in housing, jobs, transport, and services.
• 😀 The Greater Sydney Region Plan proposes the creation of three distinct cities: the Western Parkland City, the Central River City, and the Eastern Harbour City.
• 😀 The Western Parkland City will accommodate over 1.5 million people by 2056 and includes new infrastructure such as the Western Sydney Airport and Aerotropolis.
• 😀 The Central River City will focus on attracting skilled workers and businesses through improved transport links and high-quality urban development, including green spaces.
• 😀 The Eastern Harbour City aims to strengthen Sydney's global economic position, expanding its capabilities through innovation corridors and enhanced financial, health, and education sectors.
• 😀 The plan outlines a 20-year strategy with a 40-year vision, emphasizing connectivity and the creation of vibrant, liveable spaces that respect local character.
• 😀 The plan includes the development of 725,000 new homes and the creation of 817,000 new jobs over the next 20 years, improving housing affordability and providing greater choice for all.
• 😀 A core principle of the plan is the '30-minute city,' which aims to make jobs, services, and amenities more accessible within a 30-minute commute.
• 😀 The plan prioritizes environmental sustainability, enhancing Sydney’s green spaces, biodiversity, and climate resilience through improved urban planning and infrastructure.
• 😀 Stakeholder collaboration across government, industry, and the community will be essential for the successful implementation of the Greater Sydney Region Plan.

Q & A

What is the Greater Sydney Region Plan?

The Greater Sydney Region Plan is a strategic vision for the future growth of Greater Sydney, aimed at enhancing economic, livability, and environmental qualities. It coordinates population growth with infrastructure improvements like transport, schools, and health services.

How is Greater Sydney divided according to the region plan?

The Greater Sydney Region Plan divides the city into three cities: the Western Parkland City, the Central River City, and the Eastern Harbour City. Each city is unique but connected, with a focus on economic, housing, and environmental growth.

What are the key features of the Western Parkland City?

The Western Parkland City will house over 1.5 million people by 2056. It includes significant infrastructure like the Western Sydney Airport, Aerotropolis, and Western Sydney Parklands, and will create thousands of jobs. It is also home to major towns like Penrith, Liverpool, and Campbelltown Macarthur.

What role does the Central River City play in the Greater Sydney plan?

The Central River City, with Greater Parramatta at its core, will be a hub for skilled workers and businesses, supported by enhanced transport links, green spaces, schools, and high-quality housing. It will attract top businesses and improve infrastructure over the next 10-15 years.

What is the focus of the Eastern Harbour City in the plan?

The Eastern Harbour City focuses on expanding Sydney's financial, professional, health, and education sectors. It builds upon Sydney's traditional gateway and connects to international innovation corridors to boost the city’s global capabilities.

What is the 30-minute city concept in the Greater Sydney Region Plan?

The 30-minute city concept aims to bring jobs, services, and amenities closer to where people live, enabling them to access everything they need within a 30-minute commute. This will help reduce travel time and improve overall quality of life.

How many new homes are planned in the Greater Sydney Region Plan?

The plan aims to provide 725,000 new homes over the next 20 years, enhancing housing affordability and offering greater choice for buyers and renters, including first-timers and downsizers.

What is the plan for job creation in Greater Sydney?

The plan aims to create a minimum of 817,000 new jobs over the next 20 years. This job growth will be supported by new infrastructure and urban development across all three cities, with a focus on health, education, and innovation sectors.

What does the plan propose regarding sustainability and the environment?

The Greater Sydney Region Plan emphasizes environmental sustainability by protecting and enhancing the green grid, waterways, biodiversity, and rural lands. It also proposes greener streets and more trees to mitigate urban hazards and increase resilience to climate change.

How will the Greater Sydney Region Plan impact transport and mobility?

The plan includes significant upgrades to transport infrastructure, such as new railways, roads, and cycling pathways, to ensure better connectivity across the city. The goal is to support up to 22 million trips per day by 2036 and reduce congestion, making commuting more efficient.