Greater Sydney Commission to take charge of strategic planning
A new, independent planning commission will take charge of urban planning across Sydney. It will be a first step towards better coordination and integration in the strategic planning process between state agencies and councils.
Formation of the Greater Sydney Commission fulfils a long-held advocacy goal of the Property Council to have a body charged with metropolitan-wide city planning.
It will be charged with finalising district plans for each of Sydney’s six districts, reviewing LEPs, undertaking plan-making and local councils, and assuming the role of Sydney-based JRPPs.
Councils will still have a role in decisions that shape their districts, via an elected official for each of the six districts, appointed to the Commission.
In total the Commission will have 13 appointees, including:
- The Chair;
- Six District Commissioners, nominated by their councils;
- Three key government heads: Planning, Transport and Treasury; and
- Environment Commissioner, Economic Commissioner, Social Commissioner.
Both the CEO and chair of the new Commission will participate on Cabinet’s infrastructure committee, and will publish progress reports through an online dashboard.
It is understood advertising for roles with the Commission, including the Commissioners, will commence as soon as this week.
Neither the planning minister nor the premier will have power to override decisions made by the Commission.
To hear NSW Executive Director, Glenn Byres’ interview with ABC Sydney click here.