By Mike CrooksThursday 8 Sep 2022NewsReading Time: 3 minutes
It might sound like a big plan, but the aim is for city-living on a small scale.
Today, the Greater Cities Commission outlined Sydney’s “Six Cities” vision, a connected region of six cities in NSW.
“This is a blueprint to better connect and create more liveable cities across NSW as well as providing more access to services and opening new doors for businesses to thrive,” NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said.
The plan is for people who live in regions from the Central Coast to Wollongong, and from Sydney’s CBD to the Blue Mountains, to “live in vibrant local centres and neighbourhoods where all our daily needs are met within a 15-minute walk,” according to the discussion paper released today.
The six city areas (including their surrounding suburbs) are Sydney (Eastern Harbour City), Penrith (Western Parkland City), Parramatta (Central River City), Newcastle and Lower Hunter, the Central Coast and Wollongong.
“Quality of life”
In outlining his bold vision for the region previously, Premier Perrottet flagged more infrastructure and more apartment building.
“Now we must deliver in the face of uncertainty and in the midst of adversity,” he said.
“Our starting point is we want everyone to enjoy the world’s best quality of life no matter what your postcode is.”
“Our starting point is we want everyone to enjoy the world’s best quality of life no matter what your postcode is,” – NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet
More jobs
Previously, former Lord Mayor Lucy Turnbull flagged a “three cities” vision, but the NSW Government is expanding the plan to encompass Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong.
“Our three-cities strategy has grown to a six-cities vision,” the Government said in a statement.
“We’re working to create good jobs where people live, attracting world-class industry and talent, and delivering the infrastructure to connect the cities together.”
More opportunities
Premier Perrottet said today that the plan “includes unlocking new opportunities for businesses across the Six Cities in traditional industries,” he said.
“And also in the industries of the future such as defence technology, aerospace, medtech and renewable energy.
“This vision also lays the groundwork to supercharge the development of more modern and advanced manufacturing in the Six Cities which will be key to boosting economic activity and creating more skilled jobs.”
Affordable housing
According to the discussion paper, affordable housing targets of between 10 per cent and 30 per cent will be set.
Rob Stokes, the Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport, said the plan will encourage housing development.
“Housing targets need to be more ambitious to address supply challenges and I want to ensure that all new residential development on government land includes 30 per cent social, affordable and diverse housing,” Mr Stokes said.
Faster rail
The Committee for Sydney also reportedly flagged faster rail connections between the six cities.
“This is a fantastic promise of things to come,” the committee’s public policy advisor, Harri Bancroft, said.
“The focus should now move to concrete policies and financial commitments. Let’s turn this great vision into concrete commitments and policy.”
Future direction
The Six Cities vision is aimed at promoting development and investment in the State.
“When governments drive confidence, the private sector invests,” the Premier said.
“For people to invest, they need to know where we’re going as a state.”
The strategy for the Six Cities vision is expected to be finalised by the end of 2023.
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