16 February 2012
The NSW Government must commit to a plan for Sydneys growth urgently, says the Urban Taskforce.
The recent release of details from a report to the previous government, that to shift Sydneys growth from 30% greenfield to 50% greenfield could cost an extra $5 billion, shows how critical planning decisions are to our economy, says Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson. If the citys growth does swing to greenfields the big question will be, how is this extra cost to be funded.
Clearly some fringe development is needed but with the current level of infrastructure levies this is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.
Sydney will need to develop far more infill sites with medium density townhouses and apartments if we are going to manage growth successfully. Mr Johnson said
The city is reaching a tipping point where its character is beginning to change from a low rise suburban character to a more urban form.
What we need is state leadership to ensure that we properly plan for growth. The OFarrell Government needs to commit to a realistic and visionary plan for Sydneys future. While councils need to be involved we can not leave this important task to 43 separate bodies. Each level of government must responsibly carry through the growth targets from the level above. The federal governments immigration numbers for instance, need to flow into local plans. It is the state government however, that needs to take the lead.
The Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing Australias most prominent property developers and equity financiers.
