UPDATE: Sydney is on track to see its population soar to 6.5 million by 2045, as new plans from the NSW Government aim to accommodate an additional 1.2 million residents over the next two decades. The Minns government has just announced the draft Sydney Plan, which focuses on developing 43 interconnected centres throughout the city to enhance job availability and housing.
This bold strategy seeks to combat urban sprawl by concentrating new housing and employment opportunities around existing transport hubs, particularly near train stations and bus interchanges. Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully emphasized the plan’s importance, stating it provides “long-term certainty for residents, councils, businesses, and investors.”
The draft plan, released on Wednesday, outlines a vision for the city anchored by the established Sydney and Parramatta central business districts and the emerging city of Bradfield, which is near the future Western Sydney Airport. The government aims to deliver 377,000 new homes by mid-2029, contributing significantly to the federal government’s ambitious goal of 1.2 million homes nationwide, although they acknowledge potential challenges in meeting these targets.
Officials project that Sydney’s current population of 5.3 million will increase by 23 percent by 2045, driven largely by overseas migration. This growth is expected to lead to nearly 700,000 new jobs in sectors such as business services, education, health, and manufacturing, making employment opportunities more accessible, especially in the western parts of the city.
The draft plan addresses the critical need for affordable housing, highlighting that rising costs and a growing population are reshaping living choices. Scully pointed out that the government aims to ensure new homes are built close to employment centres, thus enhancing the quality of life for residents across Sydney.
As part of this strategy, 33 local government areas will need to align their planning controls with the new directives. The plan will remain open for public consultation until late February, with finalization expected next year.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW and the Planning Institute of Australia NSW have both expressed support for the draft plan, stressing the necessity of aligning growth with infrastructure and investment to create livable communities.
With Sydney facing significant planning challenges in the coming years, the Sydney Plan aims to create a well-structured urban environment that meets the needs of a rapidly growing population. As the city gears up for this transformation, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to engage in the consultation process to shape the future of Sydney.
This dynamic initiative not only impacts housing and jobs but also holds the potential to redefine the way residents interact with their urban environment, making Sydney an even more vibrant place to live and work.
