A GROWING POPULATION
Sydney’s population is growing faster than previously expected. Revised NSW forecasts show Sydney’s population is expected to grow by 1.7 million people between 2006 and 2036 to 6 million -- an average annual rise of 56,650. A CHANGING POPULATION
The composition of the population is changing due to increasing life expectancy. By 2036, the number of people aged 65 and above will more than double to just over one million, requiring new, more varied housing, social infrastructure and community services. MORE SUITABLE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
While Sydney’s population is growing, the average household size is falling, creating demand for more - but smaller, more affordable - homes. As a result, Sydney will need 770,000 additional homes by 2036 - a 46 per cent increase on the city’s current 1.68 million homes. The location, size and type of new housing must reflect the population’s changing needs. MORE JOBS, CLOSER TO HOME
Sydney’s growth will require 760,000 more jobs, with half in Western Sydney where the greatest population growth will occur. By 2036, half the city’s population will live in Western Sydney (up from 43 per cent in 2006). A broader mix of jobs is also needed to reflect Western Sydney’s growing level of job skills and education levels. MORE EFFICIENT TRANSPORT
The location of new homes and jobs to match transport capacity will determine how effectively Sydney develops as a compact and connected city and how it manages congestion and its related issues -- economic efficiency, social costs, equity, air quality and climate change. MORE EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY
Long-term land use and infrastructure planning and delivery must be better integrated to improve certainty for government agencies, the private sector and the community. This will improve investment decision-making and ensure more efficient use of public and private resources to support continued economic growth. A MORE SUSTAINABLE SYDNEY
Sydney’s central challenge is to grow sustainably – to improve economic and social outcomes while protecting our natural environment and containing its urban footprint. TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
Sydney’s planning system and transport network must help address the long-term impacts of climate change by ensuring lower greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to more extreme weather patterns and effects. MAINTAINING OUR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
As Australia’s leading global city, Sydney carries a major responsibility to remain strong, efficient and internationally competitive. While highly ranked in most global comparisons, Sydney must adapt to changing international circumstances while protecting and building on its environmental, social and economic advantages.