The Sydney Business Chamber says today’s report on Future Cities makes a strong case for getting right the public policy settings as key to managing Sydney’s increasing population.
 
“Infrastructure Australia’s report provides strong support for the role of the Greater Sydney Commission to be able to make metropolitan-wide planning decisions as key to meeting the challenge of a modern, growing city and highlights the need for bold decisions on density to better link people with public transport, open spaces and employment centres,” said Patricia Forsythe, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.
 
“With Sydney’s population expected to rise by 2.6 million people in the next 30 years, the report presents scenarios that demonstrate that the notion of a liveable ’30 minute’ city will only be possible through significant increased density around key employment hubs.
 
“Without policies that support higher density in many areas, pressure on the city’s key assets will follow and impact Sydney’s liveability. 
 
“A growing city needs an efficient public transport system and Sydney will soon see the benefits of the country’s largest public transport project, the Sydney Metro, when services begin next year.   
 
“The report’s conclusion that sufficient investment must be made in green and public space to improve the liveability and walkability of Sydney must be taken on board at both local and state government level,” Mrs Forsythe said. 
  
Sydney Business Chamber, Western Sydney Director David Borger said focussing on employment centres in Western Sydney, especially around Badgerys Creek, was crucial and gave the Western Sydney Airport the best chance to achieve its potential as a major economic driver for Western Sydney.
 
“The new Western Sydney Airport will be a jobs engine for the region and will ensure that residents will have a better opportunity to access jobs and employment closer to home.
 
“The Chamber supports the report’s recommendation investment in public transport infrastructure needs to be increased, and sees the best opportunity in giving priority to the Metro West project, as the means to provide much needed enhanced public transport capacity between Sydney’s two CBDs.

“While the Greater Sydney Commission is an important player in delivering metropolitan-scale governance, the botched attempt at local government reform in NSW means our city continues to lack appropriate institutions and structures that can solve the challenges our city faces.

“Recent decisions by the Hills Shire Council to limit new housing around the $8.3 billion North West Rail link prove that local political concerns are driving regional strategy,” Mr Borger said.