1.CITY OF CITIES A PLAN FOR SYDNEYS FUTURE METROPOLITAN STRATEGY SUPPORTING INFORMATION

2. Front Cover Photographers John Gollings, John Marmaras, Karl Schwerdtfeger, Craig AllchinBack Cover Department of State and Regional Development, Karl Schwerdtfeger, John Marmaras, Bob Peters 3. CITY OF CITIES A PLAN FOR SYDNEYS FUTURE METROPOLITAN STRATEGY SUPPORTING INFORMATION 4. DECEMBER 2005 metrostrategy.nsw.gov.au Crown Copyright 2005 Department of Planning ISBN 0 7347 5655 0The Metropolitan Strategy has been produced as a whole of Government process led by the Department of Planning with valuable input from a range of NSW Government agencies, local government, industry, interest groups and the community.This document is detailed supporting information for the Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney. Please visit www. metrostrategy.nsw.gov.au or telephone the Department of Plannings Information Centre on 1300 305 695 with any queries. 4 DISCLAIMERCOPYRIGHT NOTICE While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this In keeping with the Metropolitan Strategy commitment to encourage document is correct at the time of printing, the State of New South the availability of information, you are welcome to reproduce the Wales, its agents and employees, disclaim any and all liability to anymaterial that appears in the Metropolitan Strategy for personal, in- person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything donehouse or non-commercial use without formal permission or charge. or omitted to be done in reliance or upon the whole or any part of this All other rights are reserved. If you wish to reproduce, alter, store document. or transmit material appearing in the Metropolitan Strategy for any other purpose, request for formal permission should be directed to Department of Planning Metropolitan Strategy, GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001.You are required to acknowledge that the material is provided by the Metropolitan Strategy or the owner of the copyright as indicated in the Metropolitan Strategy and to include this copyright notice and Front Cover Photographers John Gollings, John Marmaras, disclaimer in any copy. You are also required to acknowledge the Karl Schwerdtfeger, Craig Allchin creator of the material as indicated in the Metropolitan Strategy. Back Cover Department of State and Regional Development, Karl Schwerdtfeger, John Marmaras, Bob Peters 5. contents METROPOLITAN STRATEGY INTRODUCTION 2STRATEGIES35 PREMIERS VISION 3A ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT 37 MINISTERS VISION4B CENTRES AND CORRIDORS79 SUMMARY6C HOUSING 117 SYDNEY IN 2031 8D TRANSPORT 153 E ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES 199 METROPOLITAN STRATEGY MAP10 F PARKS AND PUBLIC PLACES 227 THE WORK SO FAR12 G IMPLEMENTATION AND GOVERNANCE 249 HOW WILL THE STRATEGY BE USED? 14 WHAT AREA DOES THE STRATEGY COVER? 15 APPENDICES281 HOW WAS THE STRATEGY PREPARED? 16 APPENDIX 1 SUMMARY OF OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS 282 COMMUNITY FEEDBACK 17 APPENDIX 2 SUBREGIONAL PLANNING 18 CENTRES DEFINITIONS 296 MEASURING PERFORMANCE20 APPENDIX 3 CENTRE DESIGN GUIDELINES303 BACKGROUND 21 REFERENCES304 SYDNEYS SPECIAL QUALITIES 21 GLOSSARY309 TRENDS AND DRIVERS 22 POPULATION GROWTH AND CHANGE 23 EMPLOYMENT GROWTH AND CHANGE 25 GLOBAL SYDNEY26 SUSTAINABLE SYDNEY 28 HISTORY OF SYDNEYS GROWTH 32 1 6. REGIONAL RIVER CITY LIVERPOOLTHE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING NOW FORSYDNEYS FUTUREJOHN MARMARAS HARBOUR CITY SYDNEYS CBD WELL MANAGED GROWTH WILLSTRENGTHEN AND SECURE SYDNEYS ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS2DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 7. PREMIERS VISION Sydney is Australias only global city. Its mix of national The Plan is a broad framework to facilitate and parks, beaches and waterways, diverse and energetic manage growth and development over the next 25 cultural life, vibrant suburban centres, varied culturesyears. It sets the scene for more detailed planning and job and business opportunities provide a diversityin the subregions of Metropolitan Sydney and in of choices to the regional community. Yet as the city the regional areas of New South Wales. It sets the has grown, so too has pressure on roads, on housing parameters for future residential development in supply and on infrastructure and services.new release and existing urban areas. It identifies strategic transport corridors and major centres best With the population increasing by 1.1 million in the placed to focus commercial and residential growth. It next 25 years, the Government is planning now for ensures that sufficient land is available for industrial Sydneys future. and employment development. It also identifies how The City of Cities A Plan for Sydneys Future local government will work with State Government to supports continuing economic growth while balancing translate the aims and actions into local plans. social and environmental impacts. It is based on Finally, it identifies how all these aspects of the future anticipated population, economic and demographic metropolitan region will be linked and supported with trends. The Plan has been developed with five aims. transport and other infrastructure. 1. ENHANCE LIVEABILITYBy identifying these needs, and ensuring adequate Enhance Sydneys liveability, by ensuring a diverse land is zoned and available, the Plan provides a sound choice of housing for an ageing and changingbasis for future investment. It allows the Government population, close to services, while protecting the and the market to confidently respond to economic character of our suburbs and communities. growth and housing and infrastructure needs, at the right time, and in the right location, to support Sydney 2. STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESSin the next 25 years. Strengthen Sydneys longterm economic prosperity The Plan has been prepared on the basis that well by increasing the city and regions competitiveness in managed growth will strengthen and secure Sydneys globalised markets, and sharing the benefits across economic competitiveness, and will make the city a the city. better place to live for future generations. 3. ENSURE FAIRNESSI would like to thank everyone from the community, Provide fair access to jobs, services and lifestyle business and local government who have helped opportunities by aligning services close to where formulate this Plan, and look forward to working with people live, and by providing access to high qualitythem, and with the broader community of Sydney, to transport.implement this important vision.4. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT Protect Sydneys unique environmental setting and reduce the citys use of natural resources and production of waste. 35. IMPROVE GOVERNANCE Improve the quality of planning and decision making, and give the community confidence in our institutions.MORRIS IEMMA PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES 8. MINISTERS VISION CITY OF CITIES Sydney is unquestionably the nations leading metropolis. After 20 years of rapid growth, it is Australias gateway to the world for economic development, business, tourism, and a major entertainment, recreation and retail destination. City of Cities A Plan for Sydneys 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 citys natural limitations, the next phase of growth demands more careful planning and coordination. Above all, it must be sustainable financially, economically, environmentally and socially. THE METROPOLITAN STRATEGY IS ABOUTA CITY OF CITIES 4 HARBOUR CITY NORTH SYDNEYS CBD IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CORRIDOR DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 9. To achieve this, the Plan seeks to balance growth For the first time, planning for Sydneys future has with financially viable infrastructure, better lifestyles identified specialised centres which play a critical and urban design with housing affordability,role in the citys economy. These centres contain environmental sensitivity with economically feasibleconcentrated business and research functions or land development, and the location of employmentairport and port facilities which are vital to create land accessible to residential areas. wealth and highquality jobs. To position Sydney for the next 25 years of growth, our This complex of centres, together with support for the Plan supports a metropolis made up of five regional development of jobs and activities and better transport cities and 22 other strategic centres.connections, will provide more opportunities for residents right across Sydney. Our goal is to strengthen these five key centres not just the two harbour cities of the CBD and NorthThis Plan for Sydneys Future is the starting point of an Sydney, but our river cities at Parramatta, Liverpool ongoing process to manage the citys growth better and Penrith.than ever before. It builds on the other elements of the Governments Metropolitan Strategy, which More than two million people now call Western include the Metropolitan Water Plan and the plans for Sydney home, and it is time to spread the benefits of Managing Sydneys Growth Centres. Sydneys success further. From the Plan will spring a range of detailed programs The Government is planning for almost 400,000 new involving interaction and discussion between dwellings and over 200,000 new jobs in Western Government, local councils, business and local Sydney by 2031. These new residents should not communities. have to travel long distances to reach employment, shopping, recreation, leisure, culture and watersideI thank my Department and all who have participated activities. in crafting the Plan, which could not have been achieved without a cooperative effort. In addition to Sydneys five regional cities, the Plan also identifies major centres which will be rejuvenated to provide more localised shopping, jobs, business and civic activities. FRANK SARTOR MINISTER FOR PLANNING 5 REGIONAL RIVER CITY PENRITH 10. introduction METROPOLITAN STRATEGY SUMMARY FIVE AIMS The Metropolitan Strategy is a broad frameworkEconomic, social and environmental sustainability are to secure Sydneys place in the global economy by the guiding principles for the Metropolitan Strategy. promoting and managing growth. It is a strategicFive aims, as outlined in the Premiers vision, have document that outlines a vision for Sydney over been identified to achieve a more sustainable city. the next 25 years; the challenges we face, and theThese are: directions we will follow to address these challenges and achieve the vision. It is also the start of a process to bring the State Government, local government, 1 ENHANCE LIVEABILITY stakeholders and the community together to discuss, review and then make decisions to guide the future 2 STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS of Sydneys economy, environment and communities. More detailed planning will follow via regional 3 ENSURE FAIRNESS strategies and subregional strategies. 4 PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT5 IMPROVE GOVERNANCESEVEN STRATEGIES 6 11. introduction METROPOLITAN STRATEGY SEVEN STRATEGIES 1.1 MILLION MORE PEOPLE The Metropolitan Strategy is made up of sevenSydneys population is anticipated to grow by 1.1 subject areas, or strategies. Each of these strategies million people between 2004 and 2031, from a current consists of: population of 4.2 million to 5.3 million by 2031. Tocater for this growth, the Government has predicted Introduction including a summary of the keywe will require the following: objectives and actions; and 640,000 new homes; Actions listing the objectives and detailed 500,000 more jobs are being planned for over the descriptions of actions. next 25 to 30 years;7 ,500 hectares of extra industrial land if currenttrends continue; The seven strategies are: 6.8 million square metres of additional commercialoor space; and A ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT 3.7 million square metres of additional retail space.Even if we have zero population growth over that time, B CENTRES AND CORRIDORSi.e. our births and migration equal deaths, we wouldstill require 190,000 new homes in Sydney to respondto demographic changes where fewer people are living C HOUSINGin each home. D TRANSPORT E ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES F PARKS AND PUBLIC PLACES G IMPLEMENTATION AND GOVERNANCE7JOHN GOLLINGS 12. introduction METROPOLITAN STRATEGY SYDNEY IN 20313. MORE JOBS IN WESTERN SYDNEY The Government has a vision for the shape ofMore jobs are expected to locate in the regional Sydney in 2031. This vision is about achieving thecities and specialised centres in Western Sydney. An Metropolitan Strategy aims through smarter planning innovation strategy will support emerging clusters of for a stronger Sydney. The eight key elements of thehigh value health and education activities. Sufficient vision are as follows:employment lands will be provided for business, manufacturing, warehousing and transport activities with high quality access to the orbital motorway network (M4/M7). 1. STRONGER CITIES WITHIN THE METROPOLITAN AREA Sydney City and North Sydney will continue to be4. CONTAIN SYDNEYS URBAN the harbour cities at the heart of Global Sydney. They will be the focus for world class business, tourism, FOOTPRINT cultural, health, education and entertainment activities. Valued rural and resource lands extending to the The river cities of Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith willNepeanHawkesbury and foothills of the Southern provide a focus for innovative business environments, Highlands will be recognised and protected. New land jobs and more lifestyle and work opportunities closer will not be released for urban development unless to growing parts of Sydney. These centres will attractit meets the Governments sustainability criteria. new shopping, health, education, business and culturalSydneys green areas will continue to provide habitat facilities. for native animals, food and other raw materials for Sydney and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Western Sydneys diverse plants and habitat will be protected. 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 Australias economy. Sufficient zoned land will be provided for business and enterprise in locations with high quality transport access. FIGURE 1 CITY OF CITIES THE HARBOURSIDE CITIES OF SYDNEY AND NORTH SYDNEY WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AT THE HEART 8 OF GLOBAL SYDNEY, WHILST THE RIVER CITIES OF PARRAMATTA, LIVERPOOL AND PENRITH WILL HAVE IMPROVED ACCESS TO JOBS AND LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GROWING PARTS OF SYDNEY. GOVERNMENT ARCHITECTS OFFICE 13. introduction METROPOLITAN STRATEGY 5. MAJOR CENTRES WILL EMERGE 8. BETTER CONNECTED AND AS JOBS, SERVICE AND RESIDENTIAL STRONGER REGIONS LOCATIONSJobs will be linked with housing growth andimproved communications and transport connections Major centres such as Bankstown, Blacktown,in the Central Coast, Illawarra and the Lower Hunter. Bondi Junction, Brookvale/Dee Why, Burwood,Enhanced interconnectivity is vital in lowering the Campbelltown, Castle Hill, Chatswood, Hornsby,cost of doing business and to spread the benefits Hurstville and Kogarah will be a focus for shopping,of growth in Sydney to the regions. Strong regional health and tertiary education and some medium andcities at Newcastle, Wollongong and Gosford high density housing.will provide environments for specialisation andinnovation, as more freight and port related activitieslocate to these regions. 6. FAIR ACCESS TO HOUSING, JOBS, Separate regional strategies, to be completed in SERVICES AND OPEN SPACE2006/07 will emphasise the importance of economic ,and employment growth as key drivers of population Improved suburban centres and neighbourhoods willand wealth creation. provide healthier environments and access to high quality and suitable housing, jobs, transport choices The Central Coast will grow its economic diversity and open space. A mix of housing types, parks andand jobs to provide more local employment options. public places will be available in different locations The Lower Hunters increasingly robust economy across the region. Development will be limited inwill support additional residential, employment suburban neighbourhoods to protect local character.and infrastructure growth subject to appropriateprotection of the regions biodiversity. The Illawarra is geographically and environmentally 7. CONNECTED CENTRES constrained but will house moderate growth throughnew West Dapto release areas and urban renewal in The transport network will be expanded and improvedcentres. to provide access to jobs and services in the global economic corridor. Investment in the rail network andThe Strategy Map on the following page shows the key strategic bus corridors will provide faster and direct elements of the Governments future vision for Sydney. public transport linking suburban centres and areas where jobs are concentrated.9SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK AUTHORITYTURNER/ARETS 14. GROWTH CENTRE North West and South West land release areas. REGIONAL LINK Better connected and stronger regions linked to Sydney. CORRIDOR Areas around transport routes that connect centres, containing related activities. Types: Economic Corridor, Renewal Corridor, Enterprise Corridor. RAIL NETWORK AND STATION ORBITAL MOTORWAY NETWORK The motorway and freeway system including the Eastern Distributor, M7 M5,, M4 and M2. NEW NWCBDSW RAIL LINK (POSSIBLE EXTENSION) Links the major new growth and employment areas of the city. BUS TRANSITWAY Bus based rapid transit system providing fast, efficient bus services.STRATEGIC BUS CORRIDOR New direct and frequent bus services linking larger centres across Sydney. EMPLOYMENT LANDS Contain various employment activities such as factories, warehouses, high tech manufacturing, transport logistics or major storage operations with some associated offices. These places are vital to our economy and ability to service the city. OPEN SPACE REGIONAL/STATE PARKNATIONAL PARK RURAL AND RESOURCE LAND EXISTING URBAN AREA 15. 1,100,000 more people 640,000 new homes500,000 new jobs25 year plan5 cities3 corridors 1 global cityGLOBAL SYDNEYMain focus for national and international business, professional services, specialisedshops and tourism. It is also a recreation andentertainment destination for the Sydneyregion with national significance. GLOBAL ECONOMIC CORRIDOR The corridor of concentrated jobs and activities in centres from North Sydney to Macquarie Park and from the City to Airport and Port Botany, will remain the powerhouse of Australias economy. REGIONAL CITY Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith will provide for more lifestyle and work opportunities close to the growing parts of Sydney. SPECIALISED CENTRE Places such as hospitals, universities andmajor research and business centres that perform vital economic and employmentroles across Sydney. MAJOR CENTRE The major shopping and business centre forthe district, usually with council offices, talleroffice and residential buildings, a largeshopping mall and central communityfacilities.PLANNED MAJOR CENTREThese places are currently being planned tobecome major centres.POTENTIAL MAJOR CENTREThese places may grow to take on the roleof major centres in future. FIGURE 2 THE METROPOLITAN STRATEGY MAP 16. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYTHE WORK SO FARThe Government has already commenced elements of the Metropolitan Strategy addressing water use andmanagement, the reform of local and State planning systems, planning for the new growth centres in Sydneyswest and the Western Sydney Parklands. These important elements are integrated into the Strategy.PLANNING REFORM METROPOLITAN WATER PLAN A major overhaul of the NSW planning system was The supply of water to Sydney is one of the citysannounced in 2004. The reforms focus on strategic key challenges and has an impact on every aspect ofplanning for growth areas, simplify planning controls,the Metropolitan Strategy. In 2004, the Governmentreleased the Metropolitan Water Plan, Meetingimprove development assessment processes andthe Challenges Securing Sydneys Water Future,allow flexibility in the use of developer contributionswhich charts the citys course towards a sustainablefor local facilities and services. The reforms will deliverand secure water system for people and rivers oversustainable development while still preserving publicthe next 25 years.participation. They mean the Metropolitan Strategyactions can be delivered in a timely and strategic way, Considering both the needs of Sydneys residents,across Government.and Sydneys environment, the $1.4 billion strategywill ensure Sydneys water future through optimisingA number of initiatives have been announced inwater supplies from the existing system, as well as2005. In March, the Government announced a newensuring that Government, industry and households 12 funding round offer for local councils preparation ofreduce their water use to sustainable levels.LEPs; in July $5.5 million was awarded to fund 59projects in 57 councils across the State, in regional The Water Plan addresses:and metropolitan council areas. future population growth; climate change; andThe new Major Projects SEPP announced in May, the environment.2005, has outlined which developments are classedas Major Projects and therefore require Ministerial The Plans aims are integrated into the Metropolitanapproval. In June the NSW Parliament passed the Strategy sustainability targets, and its provisions,Planning Reform Bill, and in July the Development such as water recycling, are incorporated across theContributions Amendment to the EnvironmentalMetropolitan Strategys actions.Planning and Assessment Act 2005 commenced.The Major Projects policy, announced in July,consolidates the assessment and approval regimefor all major projects needing Ministerial approval.This applies to State Government infrastructureprojects, developments previously classed as Statesignificant, and other projects, plans or programsdeclared by the Minister.The draft Standard LEP which will simplify the,States planning system by streamlining the system,has been on exhibition and submissions are beingconsidered by an expert panel. 17. background METROPOLITAN STRATEGY WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDSMANAGING SYDNEYS GROWTH CENTRES in 2004, the Government announced the Western In June 2005, the plans for Managing Sydneys Growth Sydney Parklands one of the biggest, publicly Centres were placed on exhibition. The Plans are one owned urban parklands in the world. of the major directions of the Metropolitan Strategy. The Parklands will provide Sydney with a vast Recognising that the city requires over 23,000 new conservation and recreation haven equivalent in sizehomes each year, yet needs to manage its urban to 25 Centennial Parks. With the new North West and footprint, the Government released plans for new South West growth centres, and Parramatta, Penrith andcommunities in Sydneys South West and North West Liverpool growing to be Sydneys three regional cities, which will eventually house 160,000 dwellings. The the Parklands will meet the recreation and open space growth centres, combined with existing land release needs of a growing population in Western Sydney.programs, will provide between 30 to 40 per cent of new housing over the next 25 to 30 years. The Western Sydney Parklands is the culmination of 30 years of planning and is a key example of the The requirements of new communities of this size benefits of planning for the future needs of themust be considered within the context of the entire13 city. The planning for the Parklands is integral to citys needs. The Growth Centres Plans outline the Metropolitan Strategy, especially in the Parksthe development of an estimated $7 billion of .8 and Public Places and Environment and Resources infrastructure, including roads, rail, bus networks, Strategies. educational and health services, all linked to the staged release of land for new homes. The planning, infrastructure and services of the North West and South West growth centres are considered throughout the Metropolitan Strategy, and are integral to the development of, and access to, housing and jobs in key regional cities and major centres in Western Sydney. 18. introductionMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYHOW WILL THE STRATEGY BE USED?Subregional groupings of local government will testtarget numbers of additional dwellings and jobs forThe Metropolitan Strategy guides the process ofeach area. These numbers will then be the subject ofplanning for where people will live and work in Sydneycommunity and stakeholder consultation, and initialto 2031.numbers will be reviewed by key State GovernmentIt sets strategic directions for Government decisions agencies to ensure distributions are in accordanceon the timing and location of investment in transport with reasonable increased demands on theand other infrastructure, to deliver the best possibleinfrastructure of the city, such as transport, schoolsservices to the community and business across and hospitals.Sydney.Once the distribution is confirmed, the Government canThe Metropolitan Strategy seeks to increase move on to longerterm planning by the various agenciesemployment opportunities in rapidly growing and include this in the annual State budget process.subregions and strategic centres. To support this, theLocal government can also then commence anyMetropolitan Strategy sets out employment planningchanges that might need to be made to zoningscapacity targets for Sydneys subregions and strategicor development controls to ensure that they cancentres.accommodate enough homes and jobs in the rightThese targets are closely related to trend basedlocations within their area.projections but they recognise that more concertedaction may be needed in some areas to stimulateprivate sector investment and employment growth.The employment capacity targets are compatible andYEARLY AND FIVE YEARLY REVIEWSassociated with subregional housing capacity targets, The Department of Planning will undertake an annualand thereby aim to maintain a better balance betweenreview of the process to ensure that each subregionpopulation and employment growth in subregions andachieves consistency with the aims and directionsstrategic centres. The targets are to guide councils, of the Strategy. A major review of the MetropolitanState agencies and the private sector to ensure Strategy strategic directions and overall aims will bethat there are sufficient and appropriately zoned undertaken each five years, in conjunction with releasecommercial sites and employment lands to meet of the Census data, to ensure assumptions, objectivesprivate sector demand. The Strategy emphasises that and actions remain valid.the private sector is the dominant driver of investmentand employment growth, and the targets will ensurethat sufficient zoned land is available for employmentgrowth.WHAT AREA DOES THEThe first step in the process will be subregionalSTRATEGY COVER?planning, to be completed in 2006/07 by the State The Metropolitan Strategy focuses on Sydney,Government in collaboration with local government however, links and relationships with surroundingand in consultation with the community and business.regions are acknowledged. The Sydney to Canberra(Refer to subregional planning on pages 1819 for corridor is also affected by planning in Sydney. 14 details).Data in the Metropolitan Strategy covers theSydneys urban footprint is over 1700 squareSydney Region, including the Central Coast, unlesskilometres in area, with over 500 different places. It is otherwise stated.too large to plan as a single entity. Local governmentThe draft Lower Hunter Regional Strategy waswill benefit from a single strategic planning frameworkreleased for public comment in late 2005. Separateat the subregional level. The city will therefore beregional strategies are being prepared for the Centraldivided into 10 subregional areas to enable theCoast and other regions, for release in 2006/07 .local knowledge to be brought to bear in bestunderstanding where there is capacity for additionalhomes and jobs in each part of Sydney and theinfrastructure and service implications. 19. introduction METROPOLITAN STRATEGY15 FIGURE 3 THE GREATER METROPOLITAN REGION 20. introductionMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYHOW WAS THE STRATEGY PREPARED?COMMUNITY FORUMSThe Strategy is a whole of Government planningIn late 2004, around 1000 people from across theexercise managed by the Department of Planning. Sydney and the Central Coast, Lower Hunter andIllawarra regions took part in a series of forums on theExperts have provided advice through the MetropolitanMetropolitan Strategy.Strategy Reference Panel and on individual housing,employment, environment and transport working Participants were chosen on a random basis so thegroups. Government could hear from people who might notnormally attend a planning forum. They were askedFormal consultation has occurred at two Sydneyto discuss what they valued most about where theyFutures Forums events, a Local Government Forumlive, to identify things which will make Sydney an evenand presentations to groupings of councils.better place to live over the next 25 years and to sayNumerous meetings with council officers and what they wanted Sydney or their region to be like instakeholder representatives have been conducted.25 years.Twelve community forums across the GreaterMetropolitan Region sought the views and opinions ofresidents in the second half of 2004.Overall, more than 10,000 people have been consultedduring the development of the Metropolitan Strategy. 16....WE NEED EMPLOYMENT GROWTHSO THAT THE LOCAL POPULATIONDOES NOT NEED TO COMMUTE FORUM PARTICIPANT 21. introduction METROPOLITAN STRATEGY COMMUNITY FEEDBACKParticipants from the regional forums emphasised access to and protection of the mountains, the coastal The natural environment was the strongest theme areas and mangroves, beaches, lakes or escarpment. that emerged at every forum. People talked about protecting, preserving and having access to the natural The second and third most important themes were environment. People identified strongly with their localurban planning and development and public transport. environment beaches, parks, bushland, waterways While there was no single common view on urban and reserves. planning and development, issues raised included Any further deterioration of the natural environment control over highrise and unrestrained higher density will lead to Sydney losing the qualities that make it the development, concentrating rather than spreading attractive and liveable place that it is today. development throughout the suburbs, stronger activity Forum Participantareas in places other than the Sydney CBD and better designed medium density development, incorporating The natural environment means different things to appropriate open space. different people, depending on which part of Sydney they live in. Public transport comments focused on service and quality improvements, expansion to the system, At the North and South forums, people talked improving connections to not only the CBD but also about green space, local bushland and access to between suburban centres through better integration national parks. People from the East forum related to of the different transport modes (buses, rail and Centennial Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, to smaller ferries). local parks, open space and the harbour foreshore and beaches.A sense of community was another important theme. Comments included how people feel about their local In the Inner West, people talked about local parks and area, the quality of access to the shops, restaurants open space while people in the South West talked and social services, their family connections, about the rural environment. neighbours and involvement in community groups and I like the room to move and walk without encounteringsporting activities. the hustle and bustle of city life. I like the people. There is a wide range in ages but there Forum Participant are lots of organisations to join, sporting bodies etc and the friendships gained make it an easy place to live. Forum ParticipantLocal jobs were a strong theme from the Illawarra, Central Coast and Lower Hunter forums, where people said they wanted more local job opportunities. 17 THE HARBOUR IS NOT ONLY A PLACE FOR RECREATION AND NATURE, BUT AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR IDENTITYTHAT IS FREE TO US ALL FORUM PARTICIPANT 22. implementationMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYIMPLEMENTATIONLocal government has established RegionalOrganisations of Councils (ROCs) to coordinateSUBREGIONAL PLANNINGplanning and purchasing, promote the economicThe Metropolitan Strategy covers a geographic areadevelopment of their areas and represent the interestsof over 10,000 square kilometres, made up of 43 local of their councils. The ROCs will continue to performgovernment areas including two on the Central Coast.these roles. Subregional strategies will provide:It is too large and complex to resolve all the planning a vision for the future role of the subregion;aims and directions down to a detailed local level clarity on the future roles of centres;through one Metropolitan Strategy. staging and prioritisation of renewal; a framework for potential agreements between localSubregional planning is proposed as an intermediategovernments concerning:step in translating the Metropolitan Strategy into coordinated planningstrategies for each grouping of local government funding and development contributionsareas and the many communities of Sydney. local transportThe metropolitan area of Sydney has been arranged open space networksinto ten subregions that combine local government biodiversityareas with similar issues and challenges when it a framework for prioritisation of State infrastructure;comes to planning for growth and managing change. housing targets (amount, distribution, and mix); andThese subregions also relate to particular transport employment capacity targets for local planningroutes, natural features, and patterns of employment(amount, distribution, and mix).and retail activity that are important factors in the waypeople move around and use their area.TABLE 8 GROUPINGS OF COUNCILS 2031 PLANNING TARGETS EMPLOYMENT SUBREGIONLOCAL GOVERNMENT AREANEW DWELLINGS CAPACITY TARGETS*SYDNEY CITYCity of Sydney 55,00058,000 NEW JOBSEAST Botany Bay, Randwick,20,000 17,500 NEW JOBSWaverley, Woollahra SOUTHKogarah, Hurstville, Canterbury, 35,00021,000 NEW JOBSRockdale, Sutherland, Marrickville INNER WEST Asheld, Burwood, Canada Bay,30,00010,000 NEW JOBSLeichhardt, Stratheld18INNER NORTHLane Cove, North Sydney, Ryde, 30,00054,000 NEW JOBSWilloughby, Hunters Hill, Mosman NORTHHornsby, Kuringgai21,000** 8,000 NEW JOBSNORTH EAST Pittwater, Warringah, Manly17,300**16,000 NEW JOBSWEST CENTRAL Auburn, Bankstown, Fairfield,95,50035,000 NEW JOBSHolroyd, Parramatta NORTH WEST Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Blue EXISTING AREAS 60,00099,000 NEW JOBSMountains, Hawkesbury, PenrithNW GROWTH CENTRE***60,000 OTHER GREENFIELD 20,000 SOUTH WEST Wollondilly, Camden,EXISTING AREAS 40,00080,000 NEW JOBSCampbelltown, LiverpoolSW GROWTH CENTRE***100,000OTHER GREENFIELD15,000 CENTRAL COAST Gosford, Wyong EXISTING AREAS 35,00055,000 NEW JOBSSUBJECT TO A SEPARATE REGIONAL STRATEGYGREENFIELD AREAS 21,000*NEW JOBS FROM 2004 **INCLUDES A SMALL AMOUNT OF GREENFIELD DEVELOPMENT ***INCLUDES DWELLINGS THAT WILL BE BUILT AFTER 2031 THESE TARGETS ARE SUBJECT TO PERIODIC REVIEW AS PART OF THE REGULAR METROPOLITAN STRATEGY REVIEWS. 23. implementation METROPOLITAN STRATEGY We are planning for an additional 500,000 jobs to development to areas where there are no equivalent 2031. This consists of the actual estimate of arounddevelopment charges. 450,000 jobs, plus an allowance of 10 per cent, or It is important that redevelopment is not haphazard. 50,000 jobs. Including the additional 50,000 jobs in Local councils will use subregional planning to develop the subregional planning process will ensure there is strategies for towns, villages and neighbourhood an excess of zoned employment land and commercial centres. The identification and staging of renewal areas provided for the market. areas will be discussed and determined as part of the Subregional strategies will be informed by existing subregional planning process. and planned infrastructure, and will identify priorities Structure plans for the North West and South West for future infrastructure to support urban growth. The growth centres have been exhibited and provide amount and timing of infrastructure will be aligned the ground rules for planning in these centres. The with redevelopment to ensure the efficient allocation Growth Centres Commission has been established of resources. to coordinate the land release in the centres and the Subregional planning will provide opportunities to$7 billion infrastructure investment. More detail on .8 investigate regional value capture mechanisms subregional planning can be found in the Governance or development contributions. These funding and Implementation Strategy. mechanisms need to be considered in a subregional context, to ensure they do not simply push 19 FIGURE 17 GROUPINGS OF SUBREGIONS 24. introductionMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYMEASURING PERFORMANCE performance reporting requirements for planning andinfrastructure priorities. This process will assist theThe release of the Metropolitan Strategy marks theGovernment when setting priorities, considering anybeginning of a process that will verify, review andpolicy adjustments needed to achieve the vision andimplement its directions.keeping the Strategy on track.The Strategy will be measured on progress acrossAn update on the performance of the Strategy will bethe five aims of liveability, economic competitiveness,submitted to the Government annually by the Ministerfairness, environmental protection and governancefor Planning. The update will incorporate advice fromthat together will help to make Sydney a morethe Metropolitan CEOs Group based on its appraisalsustainable city. Reporting on progress will informof performance measures against each of the Strategythe community and stakeholders on the Strategysaims. The Government will respond to the update byongoing performance.endorsing or adjusting actions or by scoping a specificA Metropolitan CEOs Group will also monitor progress review.of implementation with the input of stakeholders andEvery five years, a review of the Strategy aims,experts as required.objectives and actions will be undertaken to coincideThe progress measures will form part of the with the Census cycle. This review will addresscontextual indicators such as population change,household change, migration trends and travel trends.AimMeasureBenchmarkEnhance LiveabilityQuality of LivingIn 2005 Sydney ranked 8 out of 260 cities in the Maintain or improve Sydneys index and ranking Quality of Living Survey with an index of 105. of quality of living, according to Mercer Human Resource Consulting global quality of living survey. Strengthen EconomicContribution to National Economy In 199899, Sydney produced 23% of Australias valueCompetitivenessMaintain or increase the proportion and value of added wealth, totalling $130 billion. 20 Sydneys contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ensure FairnessAccess to Services In 2005, 80% of Sydney residents can access a Increase the percentage of the population living major centre, regional city or global Sydney within 30 within 30 minutes by public transport of a city or minutes by public transport. major centre.Protect theEnvironmental FootprintDuring ve years from 1994 to 1999, theEnvironmentNo increase in Sydneys environmental footprintenvironmental footprint of Sydneys residents per capita.increased by 16% to 7 hectares per person. .4Improve Governance Metropolitan Strategy and Infrastructure Budget Paper 4 responds to transport and Metropolitan Strategy directions and identied infrastructure priorities as identied in the State transport and infrastructure needs inform theInfrastructure Strategy. annual State Infrastructure Strategy. TABLE 7 METROPOLITAN STRATEGY PERFORMANCE MEASURES OF SUCCESS 25. background METROPOLITAN STRATEGY BACKGROUND ANALYSIS economically strong with a highly educated and welltrained labour force, the highest incomes, lowest This background analysis section provides additionalunemployment and highest share of advanced context and supporting information for the sevenbusiness service jobs in export related industries of strategies.the state capitals in Australia; an extensive and solid base of infrastructure thelargest rail network of any city in Australia, an SYDNEYS SPECIAL QUALITIES extensive orbital road network, an airport and portclose to the business hub of the city and a world Sydney is a special and unique city. It is:class health and education system; and blessed with extraordinary natural and environmental a culturally rich and diverse city with 180 different assets beaches, waterways, national parks,ethnic groups and over 140 languages spoken. The mountain wilderness and large parklands and areascity is open to new ideas and inuences and impacts of open space;positively on our reputation overseas and our ability an iconic city, with natural and manmade featuresfor international trade. recognised the world over Blue Mountains World Heritage area, coastal cliffs and beaches, ferries,Sydneys future status is not guaranteed. It is the Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Harbour Bridge and aresponsibility of the Government to plan for the future spectacular CBD; to ensure the things that people love about Sydney a city with an unrivalled quality of life mild are protected, enhanced and shared by all and that its weather, opportunities for outdoor recreation andfuture economic prosperity is safeguarded. To do this leisure, good services, great food and entertainment;requires an understanding of some significant trends the rst choice for international headquarters in theand drivers which affect the citys prospects. South Pacic, a focus for Australian and international rms in nance and legal services, information technology, media, advertising and design and the gateway to international travel and transactions;SYDNEY IS AN ICONIC CITY WITH NATURAL AND MAN MADE FEATURES RECOGNISED THE WORLD OVER21 ANTHONY KORBELBOB PETERS BOB PETERS 26. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYTRENDS AND DRIVERSPlanning for the future of Sydney must take intoaccount: population growth and demographic change,including migration trends, birth rates, and ageingpopulation and less people living in each household; employment growth and change, including moreservice and ofce based jobs and a shift tointegrated ofce, production and warehousingoperations which means more land is required forsome economic activities; the increasing globalisation of the economy, whichmeans Sydney and Australia have to competeinternationally to attract investment and sell goodsand services overseas to remain prosperous; the push for more sustainable development, in theface of global environmental and climatic changes,which creates drier and more unpredictable weatherevents, and increased rates of consumption ofnatural resources such as water and fuels for energy; the rising costs of transport fuel prices, congestion,greenhouse gas emission, air quality and communityphysical and mental health are placing increasingburdens on families and business. Demand for travelis increasing faster than population growth and thelargest increase is in the use of private vehicles; and the basic structure and built fabric of the citywhich is substantially in place, and will not changefundamentally even over the life of this Strategy.Each of these trends and drivers, and the challengesthey present for planning in Sydney, are considered inmore detail in the following sections. 22 FIGURE 5 AVERAGE WEEKLY POPULATION GROWTH | 2005 Increase of 40, 560 pa 27. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYPOPULATION GROWTH ANDDecentralisation encouraging the population to growCHANGENEW HOUSING in regional cities and other areas of the State - hasFOR THE FUTURE been raised as an option for reducing Sydneys growth pressures. Regional and rural NSW have experiencedThe economic strength and quality of life of Sydneysubstantial changes in their population over recentmean more people are attracted to live in this city. years and further changes are anticipated. RegionalWhile two thirds of the net population growthcentres are growing while many smaller towns arederives from natural increase (more births thanexperiencing population losses.deaths), the city is also a magnet for migrants from To reduce population growth in Sydney, the attractionelsewhere in Australia and overseas seeking economic of alternative places would need to increase and/orand life opportunities. that of Sydney would need to decrease. Sydney is aPopulation growth in Sydney has been a big feature ofglobal city. Restrictions on the growth of Sydney areits success. The city is now the most culturally diverse more likely to result in businesses moving interstatein the southern hemisphere. This increasing humanor overseas than to regional areas. Currently, regionalresource diversity has deepened the range of skillsareas outside the Greater Metropolitan Region lackand experiences on offer in the city and has added tothe employment base or infrastructure investment toits character and identity.sustain or attract large increases in population. Significant levels of diversion to regional areasPOPULATION GROWTHmay come at a large cost in terms of infrastructure provision in a dispersed rather than a concentratedThe Sydney region contains around 4.2 million people, (metropolitan) setting. A 50 per cent increase overwhich is almost 80 per cent of the population of the the next 25 years in the population of the 19 largestGreater Metropolitan Region which includes the regional centres in inland and coastal NSW wouldCentral Coast, Lower Hunter and Illawarra regions. only put back Sydneys growth by six years. ThePopulation forecasts suggest Sydneys population is Government does not envisage a significant share ofexpected to reach five million people by the 2020s and Sydneys population growth being diverted to regionalmay reach six million by mid-century. and rural NSW.Data for the past 25 years shows that Sydneyspopulation growth ranged from a low of 400 peopleper week in 1990 to a high of 1,150 people per week in1996. In the last decade, growth in Sydney has twicetopped 50,000 per year. On average Sydney grows byabout 780 per week or around 40,000 per year.Sydney needs to plan for a high growth scenario.The Metropolitan Strategy assumes average growthto 2031 will be 10 to 15 per cent higher than therecent average. Consequently, population growth of1.2 million people or a total of 5.3 million by 2031 isassumed, but this will be reviewed.23 FIGURE 6 SYDNEYS ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH | 19642004 Average Growth of 42,500 pa 28. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYHOUSEHOLD GROWTH AND CHANGE With population growing to 5.3 million and averagehousehold sizes anticipated to fall from 2.65 to 2.36Population growth is also accompanied by changespersons per private dwelling by 2031, a total of 2.2in the age structure of the population, the average million homes will be required in Sydney.number of people in each household and householdThe current number of homes is estimated atcomposition.approximately 1.6 million but a proportion of the totalHomes with single and two person households are is always vacant or otherwise not available.now the majority of all homes and the trend towardsMaking an allowance for this, and for residents of non-proportionately more of these smaller households isprivate dwellings (e.g. nursing and boarding homes),likely to continue.means the Government is planning is for an additionalCurrently, 22 per cent of all households in Sydney are640,000 new homes to house a population that isoccupied by one person. By 2031, there are likely togrowing and whose household dynamics are changing.be an additional 300,000 single person households inThe Plan for Managing Sydneys Growth CentresSydney representing 30 per cent of all households.coupled with the land release program provides forHouseholds containing couples with children are approximately 220,000 homes on the fringe areasexpected to remain the largest group, by a smallof Sydney. Approximately 420,000 new homes willmargin, accounting for 32 per cent of all households. therefore need to be constructed in existing suburbs.By 2031, Sydney is predicted to have almost 140,000These assumptions and projections will be regularlyadditional households containing couples withreviewed. While existing development approvals andchildren.policy settings will determine development patternsThe trend to smaller households is partly driven by the for the next five or so years, if trends shift there isageing of the population, which tends to result in more scope to review the Strategy and make adjustments.single and two person households. This will inevitablyFurther flexibility will be provided by the Strategy,lead to a greater demand for smaller housing with ensuring there is always more than enough land zonedgood access to shops, transport and services such asfor development at any particular time.health.Increasing affluence, and more single and youngpeople living alone, are also major contributors tothe increased demand for housing. These changes inhousehold type and therefore occupancy rates meanthat total demand for housing will be greater thanpopulation growth and a wider mix of housing typeswill be required.24FIGURE 7 CHANGING HOUSEHOLD SIZE SmallerHouseholds 29. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGY EMPLOYMENT GROWTH AND With increasing wealth and population ageing, there CHANGE PLANNING FOR JOBSwill be a greater demand for retail goods, personal and domestic services, and health and leisure related The number of jobs in Sydney is linked to the services. population of the area, and to its ability to attract business and compete in the global economy. These jobs will be principally located in centres of all sizes. Around 6.4 million square metres of commercial The ageing of the population and a levelling off floor space will be required for the growth of jobs in of the recent high rates of increase in labour force these sectors. participation is likely to slow the growth of the work force, especially after 2010. However, Sydney is likely Sydneys agricultural base remains important, and to remain a magnet for jobs and investment allowing as rural land value increases it may be used more it to replenish its labour pool more easily than otherintensively, generating additional jobs. This sort of regions.economic diversity within the broader Sydney region provides a variety of job choices for the labour force. Base employment projections provide for around 450,000 additional jobs by 2031 in Sydney. A higher Jobs traditionally located in industrial areas end scenario assumes an increase of 500,000 jobsmanufacturing, textiles, clothing, machinery, transport to a total of 2.5 million by 2031. An additional 50,000 and storage are predicted to decline, but maintain to 100,000 jobs are anticipated for the Illawarra and their share of value in the economy. Lower Hunter. The transport, storage and logistics functions As is the case for planning for housing, it is prudentassociated with the assembly and distribution of to plan for a higher jobs growth scenario to ensure goods will increase in Sydney. This latter factor that there is more than enough land well connectedcoupled with mechanisation is driving the increasing by transport for future employment outcomes. Theconsumption of land in the industry areas of Economy and Employment Strategy is planning for upmanufacturing, storage and transport, particularly in to 500,000 new jobs in Sydney in 2031.the outer areas of the city. Different categories of jobs are likely to grow atUp to 7,500 hectares of industrial land will need to be different rates.set aside for these activities. Sydneys employment growth is likely to continue theHigh quality connections to efficient transport routes pattern of recent years, reflecting the evolution of theare critical for these industry sectors. economy toward higher value business activities in The changing structure of the economy presents new design, finance, legal and business services many land use and management challenges, as well as with a global orientation. infrastructure investment imperatives, for transport, communications, education and skills. 25FIGURE 8 SYDNEYS CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS More PeopleLiving Longer 30. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYGLOBAL SYDNEY Sydneys natural attributes are key attractions forMAINTAINING A COMPETITIVE EDGEeconomic activity and investment that has driventhe growth of the city to its prominent nationalSydneys is recognised as Australias only global city.and international role. The combination of big cityWith 30 per cent of national employment in financialinfrastructure, services and amenities, with anand business services, nearly half of Australia andunrivalled natural beauty, is Sydneys competitive edge.New Zealands top 500 companies, and more than60 per cent of Asia Pacific regional headquarters Brisbane and South East Queensland, with an almostestablished by multinational companies, Sydney is continuous strip of urban development running overAustralias unrivalled global gateway.200 kilometres from Tweed Heads to Noosa Heads,has many of the basic attributes which are attractiveSydney is Australias largest regional economyfor global investment and it will be increasingly comparable in size to Singapores economy andcompetitive. Other cities in South East Asia will alsolarger than New Zealands. Sydney has a dominantcompete for investment as they modernise theirrole in Advanced Business Service exports. It hostsinfrastructure and education systems and as theiralmost half the export supported jobs in this sector,economic, legal and political systems develop.a proportion well above the citys share of nationalemployment (22 per cent). From this perspective, protecting the naturalenvironment, access to the beaches and parks andBecause of its strategic location on the Pacific Rim,important rural activities and rural living environmentsits liveability, its stable governance and investmentare as important to Sydneys competitiveness asclimate and its human resource base, Sydney is a keycontinuing to invest in education, social, transport andplayer in global supply chains and a major hub in thecultural infrastructure.Asia-Pacific.Sydney competes with other major cities in the regionbut it is the only centre which is part of a developednational economy.However, Sydney was not always Australias premiercity. Melbourne was prominent in the 19th centuryand early 20th century on the back of the gold rush.However, with deregulation of the economy, theentry of foreign banks and the consolidation of theAustralian stock exchanges in Sydney, the city pulledahead of Melbourne in size and wealth. 26 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS 31. background METROPOLITAN STRATEGY GLOBAL CITIES A global city is a city which has a direct and tangibleThe following list and Figure 9 show the latest ranking impact on global affairs through socioeconomic,by the GaWC of the top 55 global cities according to cultural, and/or political means source GaWC thethe above criteria. Globalisation and World Cities Research Group, based A. ALPHA WORLD CITIES at Loughborough University, UK.1. London, Paris, New York, Tokyo2. Chicago, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Milan, The global cities ranking is based on each citys Singapore provision of advanced producer services such as accountancy, advertising, banking/nance and law,B. BETA WORLD CITIES as well as the need to satisfy most of the following 3. San Francisco, Sydney, Toronto, Zurich criteria:4. Brussels, Madrid, Mexico City, Sao Paulo international familiarity; 5. Moscow, Seoul active inuence and participation in international C. GAMMA WORLD CITIES events and world affairs;6: Amsterdam, Boston, Caracas, Dallas, Dsseldorf, a fairly large population, at least several million; Geneva, Houston, Jakarta, Johannesburg, a major international airport; Melbourne, Osaka, Prague, Santiago, Taipei, an advanced transportation system; Washington international nancial institutions, law rms,7: Bangkok, Beijing, Montreal, Rome, Stockholm, corporate headquarters and stock exchanges that Warsaw have inuence over the world economy;8: Atlanta, Barcelona, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Budapest, advanced communications infrastructure; Copenhagen, Hamburg, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, a lively cultural scene; and Manila, Miami, Minneapolis, Munich, Shanghai inuential media outlets with an international reach based in the city.SYDNEY IS A KEY PLAYERIN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS AND A MAJOR HUB IN THE ASIAPACIFIC REGION 27 FIGURE 9 GLOBAL CITIES 32. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYSUSTAINABLE SYDNEY As Sydney grows, its natural assets must bePROTECTING THE NATURALprotected and should take advantage of theENVIRONMENT opportunities that growth provides to enhanceSydneys environmental setting is world class. It alsothem. That means containing Sydneys urban andhas a unique mix of plants and animals which make itenvironmental footprint, reducing our consumptionone of the most biologically diverse areas in Australia.of natural resources and reducing the environmentalAlmost half of the Sydney region is comprised ofimpact of the citys developments.national parks, State forests, regional and local openspace, water catchments, and wetlands that areprotected from inappropriate development. WATERThe natural environment was the strongest theme Consumption of water by Sydneysiders is increasing.that emerged at every community forum held on the While the population has doubled since 1950, waterMetropolitan Strategy. Not only does the beautifulconsumption has tripled, placing significant demandsnatural environment surrounding Sydney contribute on supply. Over the next 30 years there is likely to beto the quality of life for local residents, the natural less water available in the Greater Metropolitan Regionenvironment plays a vital role in supporting many due to climate change and the need to allocate waterlivelihoods and industries within the broader regionfor environmental flows.and contributes significantly to the States economy.The Metropolitan Water Plan (2004) is the NSWAustralia is already a leader in Asia and the South Governments comprehensive plan for ensuringPacific in terms of environmental management. Sydneys water supply for the next 25 years.Sydney needs to build on this, creating newopportunities for environment-related technologiesand industry. The Governments building sustainabilityindex (BASIX) has already encouraged Australianfirms to look at innovative new products that canhelp builders meet more stringent energy and waterconsumption standards. 28FIGURE 10 EMERGING WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND GAP 33. background METROPOLITAN STRATEGY ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Currently, NSW residential consumers are using more Surrounded by the Blue Mountains World Heritage energy per capita (up 14.8 per cent) and per householdarea, Royal and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parks and (up 10.3 per cent) than a decade ago. Electricity spectacular beaches and waterways, Sydneys natural consumption is forecast to grow by up to 29 per centenvironment is one of the citys greatest assets. over the next 10 years. NSW currently relies on coalWithin the urban area there are diverse bushlands, to meet over 90 per cent of its electricity needs.parks, sports grounds, beaches, botanic gardens, local Future energy use should look to include an increasingparks and playgrounds. generation from renewable energy sources. The Sydney Basin Bioregion is the fifth most Australia has the highest per capita greenhouse gas biologically diverse region in Australia (out of 85 emission rate of any developed nation, with eachregions), surpassed only by areas such as the World person in Sydney creating 27 tonnes of carbon.2 Heritage listed Wet Tropics in Queensland and dioxide each year. Australian emissions are almostTasmanian Wilderness. 30 per cent higher than American citizens and 50 per However, there has been a decline in species and cent higher than the average figure for industrialised ecosystem diversity and an increasing number of countries. species, ecological communities and populations It is this increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere being listed as endangered or vulnerable. Remaining that contributes to the greenhouse effect, whichnative vegetation continues to be cleared and exacerbates the already variable Australian climate.fragmented. In Western Sydney, only 13 per cent The global climate is changing and predicted impactsof the original vegetation remains and is in good include an increase in the number of hot days (over condition. 35C), and associated increase in bushfire frequency, decreased rainfall and increased evaporation, and an increase in the number and intensity of drought and flood.AIR QUALITY Air quality has significantly improved over the last two decades and pollutants are generally below the national ambient air quality standards good by world standards. However, smogforming pollutants and fine particles, both from vehicle emissions, still cause air pollution. Planning land use and transport together, and concentrating jobs and housing in places with good public transport, is critical to the continuing challenge of improving air quality.29 34. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYTRANSPORT PROVIDING The more that people use active transport suchSUSTAINABLE CHOICES as walking, cycling and public transport, the morecommunity physical and mental health improves. InTransport systems have significant impacts on qualitySydney there are unprecedented increases in Type 2of life in Sydney. The quality of public transport wasor adult onset diabetes in children. Modest increasesone of the major themes to emerge from communityin physical activity, from less sedentary lifestyle andforums.active transport choices, can reduce the need forThe environmental, health and economic costsmedical treatment in those at risk of diabetes.of Sydneys current travel patterns are increasing.The costs of private transport are also on the rise forThe transport sector is the third largest and fastestSydney households and business. The average Sydneygrowing source of greenhouse gas emissions. Motorhousehold spent 31 per cent more each week onvehicles are the most significant source of air pollutionpetrol in 2003/04 compared to 1998/99.in Sydney. There are also land take, energy use andnoise impacts of transport systems. The costs of traffic congestion in Sydney wasestimated at $5 billion in 1995 and is estimated toTravel choices also have impacts on community safetyincrease to $8.8 billion by 2015.and physical and mental health. Road safety hasclear costs to the community. In 2003 Sydney roadsTransport investment can be costly, and travelsaw 29,357 crashes causing 162 deaths and 15,361behaviour has impacts on the environment, theinjuries. Apart from the suffering of victims and their communitys health, household budgets and the costloved ones, the financial cost in NSW of road crashes of doing business. Transport investment that reducesis estimated around $3.7 billion each year (RTA, 2004). these costs and impacts, such as greater access toquality public transport, walking and cycling facilities,must be encouraged. In locations where publictransport is available and it provides a competitivealternative to private cars, people choose to use it. 30JOHN MARMARAS 35. background METROPOLITAN STRATEGY The demand for travel is on the rise, along with theChildrens travel to school reflects changes in the diversity of travel needs. Demand for travel is growing wider community while there are also regional faster than population growth. In the last 20 years,differences across the city in the way people travel. Sydneys population grew by 21 per cent, the number The further people live from the CBD, the longer their of car trips by 41 per cent and the number of cars by trips tend to be, the greater the reliance on car travel 58 per cent. Vehicles kilometres travelled (VKT) hasand the less likely they are to walk or ride a bicycle. increased faster than population growth. Sydney has an extensive transport system in place Population growth alone will increase demand forwhich can be improved. The challenge is how to travel. Changes in the characteristics of Sydneysprovide the ability for people to access activities while population will also change the demand for travel and minimising the costs to households, the environment travel patterns.and business. The transport system meets a range of different travel needs each day. Despite the diversity of travel purposes, and origins and destinations for trips, many trips are short local trips. Half the trips made each day in Sydney are less than five kilometres, with the majority of these trips made by car.THE MORE THAT PEOPLE WALK, CYCLE ANDTAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE MORE COMMUNITY PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH IMPROVES 31 36. backgroundMETROPOLITAN STRATEGYHISTORY OF SYDNEYS GROWTH next to a river that could be bridged easily. These other global cities grew from trading hubs and theirThe structure of Sydney - its beaches, harbour, transport systems radiated out like spokes on a wheel,mountains, transport system and distinctive with high density residential areas forming aroundcommunities presents special challenges for train and tram lines.planning. There is a need to understand the history ofthe city and how it has evolved to be able to imagineSydney, however, grew from a town perched on thehow it might and should develop in the future. harbour at the eastern edge of the Sydney basin, then spread quickly to the more fertile areas south andThe Greater Metropolitan Region occupies most of west along the rivers, across the flatter lands to thethe Cumberland Basin bounded by the Pacific Ocean, west, and eventually north across the harbour.and the extensive national parks of mountains andbushland to the north, south and west. These physicalEarly in the 19th century, the population of theelements present a natural barrier to endless outwardagricultural settlements of Parramatta, Windsor,expansion. Liverpool, Richmond and Pitt Town exceeded that of the main settlement around Sydney Cove.Aboriginal people have continuously occupied the Development continued on the flatter, more fertileSydney area for over 20,000 years (at least 1,000 terrain on the south side of the harbour which alsogenerations). The traditional owners of the wider allowed easier road construction.Sydney region belong to several major languagegroups including Dharug, Dharawal/Tharawal,By the middle of the 19th century, Sydney extendedGundungurra and Gurringgai. They developed the to the municipalities of Glebe, Randwick, Waverley,knowledge and skills to harness the resourcesWoollahra, and Marrickville, Newtown, Paddingtonprovided by the rivers and surrounding lands while and Balmain and had a population of 100,000, whichmaintaining the natural vegetation and wildlife. was still only approximately a quarter of the StateMiddens and campsites were usually located close topopulation. These suburbs were linked to the citythe many river foreshores, nearby to food and cleancentre by the emerging tram network.water. Many of Sydney Citys main thoroughfares, The transport of bulk materials by water meant largesuch as George Street, Oxford Street and King Street industrial areas were established on peninsulas to theNewtown followed Aboriginal tracks which served as west of the city. The extensive tram and rail networktrading routes between farmed grasslands or bountiful that was developed encouraged the rapid expansion offishing areas. the city in the latter part of the century.If the first fleet had settled at Parramatta rather than Up until the 1950s, the pattern of the city continuedCircular Quay, Sydney would be a more typical global to be dominated by access to the rail and tramcity, such as London and Paris, with the CBD in the network. Urban expansion in linear corridors alongmiddle of the urban area on relatively flat ground major transport routes, principally the rail network,FIGURE 11SYDNEYS URBANGROWTH HISTORY 32 BEFORE 19171917194519451975197520052031* * SCENARIO IF THE RATEOF SPRAWL OF THEPREVIOUS 30 YEARSWERE CONTINUED 37. background METROPOLITAN STRATEGY was encouraged. Nevertheless, the 1970s brought Within the existing areas of the city, new medium an increasing reliance on the private car that changeddensity development has increased. Many inner city Sydney, with new lower density suburbs distant from areas, including Surry Hills, Ultimo, Glebe, Erskineville the fixed public transport networks. Buses replaced and Marrickville, have become desirable locations and trams in the early 1960s and the city grew to almostshops and village centres have been revitalised. 70km wide east to west and 60km north to south. Old industrial sites have been converted to residential The areas north to the northern beaches, Pittwater anddevelopment. Much of this development has the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury River, and southbeen backed up with new infrastructure such as at to Botany Bay, the Georges River and Port Hacking Homebush Bay for the Olympics, the new Airport link developed during the 20th century as the suburban and new road connections. hinterland in unique environmental settings. The city has continued expanding westwards, with The 1949 Cumberland Plan marked these areas out areas between the corridors filling in. With the addition and identified a green belt to moderate additionalof the North West and South West growth centres, urban expansion to the west. By the end of thenew subregions in Western Sydney are emerging. 20th century these eastern, northern and southern The area, or subregion, around Parramatta, referred areas were mature, but subject to renewal and to as West Central in this Strategy, currently has a redevelopment through infill and intensification. residential density of approximately half that of the In the late 1960s, Parramatta and Campbelltown were eastern suburbs and the lower north shore. In the nominated as other major city centres for the rapidly medium term, this area is likely to become a focus for expanding Western Sydney region. Parramatta has intensification and renewal in centres and corridors consolidated its role as Sydneys second CBD in the around public tranport nodes as people and jobs are geographic heart of the city, and is now a focal pointattracted to the services and amenity of Sydneys for business, shopping and entertainment in Western second centre. In the longer term, the regional cities Sydney and a key transport hub. Campbelltown hasof Liverpool and Penrith are likely to create a similar become a significant centre in the South West.pattern of increased densities close to the improved amenity and services offered by these consolidated Over the last 15 to 20 years, the global economic cities. corridor - described as Sydneys global arc (the concentration of linked jobs and gateway infrastructure The inherited structure and form of the city cannot be from Macquarie Park through Chatswood, St rapidly changed. The challenge is to learn from how Leonards, North Sydney and the CBD to Sydneygeography, environment, transport and the economy Airport and Port Botany) - has emerged as a criticalhave shaped the city and how, over time, we can work feature of Sydney and Australias economy.with these elements of the city to provide maximum benefits and opportunities for future development This corridor has been built on the benefits that across the Sydney region . businesses involved in such areas as finance, legal services, information technology, engineering and marketing have derived from being near to each other and to transport infrastructure such as the airport. 33 It has been reinforced by the motorway system focused on the Eastern Distributor linking across the harbour, and by the high amenity and services available in and around the CBD. 38. 34 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS 39. STRATEGIESA ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENTB CENTRES AND CORRIDORSC HOUSINGD TRANSPORTE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCESF PARKS AND PUBLIC PLACESG IMPLEMENTATION AND GOVERNANCE 35