29 November 2012
The recent report by the NSW Parliament on the utilisation of rail corridors makes good planning sense for managing population growth, says the Urban Taskforce.
“Sydney has grown outwards from its CBD with a series of radial road and rail corridors but many of these corridors are underdeveloped and lacking in a good urban character,” says Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson. “We need to develop these corridors with medium and high rise apartments and offices as an alternative to low density suburban development.”
With 27.6% of Sydney homes now in apartments, this type of housing is being preferred by many people. Clearly Sydney needs a diversity of housing types.
“The parliamentary report makes a strong recommendation that UrbanGrowth NSW should be the coordinating agency that should drive the process of urban renewal along the corridors. The Urban Taskforce supports this recommendation but believes this will require new skills within the organisation and the need for a leadership role with local councils.
“The development industry sees great opportunities in developing along road and rail corridors that link urban centres. Clearly safety and noise issues need to be carefully managed to ensure quality amenity for new residents and workers.
“The recommendations that UrbanGrowth NSW should work with developers to achieve a balance between commercial opportunities and community benefits is strongly supported. It is essential that the government use the expertise and knowledge of the market place to ensure feasibility and reality are behind proposals.