The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, today announced that the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) will be reporting through the Department of Premier and Cabinet to the Premier – rather than to the Minister for Planning.
“Strategic planning and the coordination of land use planning and infrastructure is finally being recognised as a core government agenda with the joining of GSC reporting to the Premier” commented PIA NSW President Jenny Rudolph.
“The pressures of growth and the impact of megatrends require innovation, good decision-making structures and a full commitment across Government to shape Sydney as a fair, prosperous and sustainable city” noted Jenny Rudolph.
PIA has consistently advocated for the infrastructure coordination role of the Greater Sydney Commission to be strengthened beyond its role as chair of the Infrastructure Delivery Committee. PIA looks to the new arrangements to ensure that capital investment decisions by all agencies deliver on the sustainable growth vision set out in the Greater Sydney Regional Plan.
The GSC should now be expanded to play a broader role for strategic planning and coordination in the regions. PIA acknowledges the key role of the Minister and Department of Planning and Environment in reforming the planning system and strengthening its capability to deliver better planning and development outcomes for our community.
“The two portfolios will need to quickly and clearly resolve their roles and accountabilities for strategic planning, growth areas, planning policy, LEP local plan making and planning systems in Greater Sydney” stressed PIA President Jenny Rudolph.
“It is essential that the vision for both Greater Sydney and the regions is owned by the whole of NSW Government as the guiding policy for future settlement and employment, distribution and supporting infrastructure investment.” she said.
“The GSC should have a level of mandate to ensure that State Government infrastructure providing agencies coordinate their programs and budgeting with the Greater Sydney Region Plan and District Plans. This will ensure the Plans are delivered,” noted Jenny Rudolph
PIA advocates for a place-focussed commission to implement regional plans, including outside of Sydney and will now be seeking a meeting with Premier to explore the implications of the decision for planning in regional NSW.