NSW population growth needs long term planning

The recent release of an update on population growth by the NSW Department of Planning & Environment demonstrates that NSW is now experiencing strong population growth and this will need long term planning says, the Urban Taskforce.

“NSW seems to have got its mojo back in terms of overall population growth,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “The last decade has seen average NSW growth of 100,000 people compared to only 50,000 for the decade before this.” (See chart below)

“The main driver of the state’s population growth has been net migration which in 2015 represents 56% of the growth. Net migration is the overseas arrivals minus the interstate outflow. The NSW outflow has reduced from around 20,000 a year to around 5,000 in the last two years driven by the stronger economy in NSW.”

“The Department of Planning & Environment’s population forecasts for the period 2011 to 2031 had assumed the 20,000 person outflow would continue so there are important consequences for the long term planning of NSW.”

“At 1.4% annual growth NSW is second only behind Victoria’s robust 1.9% growth. Melbourne plans longer term than Sydney with projections out to 2051 while Sydney’s planning is only to 2031.”

“City centres like Parramatta will fast fill up with lower buildings if the outlook is only for 15 years ahead, compared to 35 years of growth. With robust population growth likely for decades ahead it is important that Sydney and NSW strategic plans look further into the future so that developments are not unnecessarily constrained and future growth can be accommodated within the existing urban footprint.”

“While the new population figures are useful the Urban Taskforce is concerned that it is difficult to get current information on housing completions for the Sydney Metropolitan Area in order to monitor performance. The current data on the Department of Planning & Environment’s website seems to be at least 6 months old. The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the government to ensure housing data is up to date and available to the public and industry in a reasonable amount of time.”
MR 01.07.16
Image Source: NSW Planning & Environment, Popoulation NSW Update June 2016

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