The Sydney Business Chamber says the Federal Government’s new city performance framework is a welcome initiative that will refocus efforts at all levels of government on cities policy given the dominance of cities as centres of population and economic hubs.
 
“It is pleasing to see the Federal Government’s focus on cities and the key measures that will define cities’ policy in The National Cities Performance Framework Interim Report,” said Patricia Forsythe, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.
 
“The Federal Government clearly sees its role as more than just distributing funds and this report shows it is taking its policy role in shaping cities seriously.
 
“With the record amount of new public infrastructure investment, development and jobs growth, it is obvious Sydney has worked hard to get its mojo back.
 
"I am confident that once this framework is finalised, Sydney will be shown to be leading the pack on many key city indicators, and on the areas it is not, public policy will need to be reshaped to ensure Sydney is an efficient, liveable and competitive global city,” Mrs Forsythe said.
 
"The metrics proposed in the framework will give a clear picture of not just how our city is performing economically but also on the key measures of liveability and governance, and innovation and digital opportunities.
 
"While NSW and Sydney in particular is keeping the national economy firing, key policy challenges remain and the framework will give us an opportunity to point to some stark realities that our city needs to address.
 
"Addressing the critical under supply of new housing, reducing congestion through further investment in new public and road transport infrastructure and improving liveability through the development of new cultural assets such as the Parramatta Powerhouse Museum will clearly be identified when the framework is finalised later this year,” she said.