Creation of a new state level Urban Renewal Commission is needed to implement quality urban renewal and help manage Sydney’s future growth, according to the Property Council of Australia.
In a new paper released today, the Property Council has unveiled a 10-point Urban Renewal Action Plan to streamline the delivery of urban renewal across Sydney.
“Urban renewal is an essential ingredient in a balanced growth plan for Sydney,” said Ken Morrison, NSW Executive Director.
“As our population continues to grow, we need new solutions in providing housing and employment opportunities, better public spaces and sustainable communities.”
“Urban renewal encourages a better use of existing land and brings together infrastructure and land use planning.
“Sydney needs to provide 25,000 new homes a year to keep pace with population growth – and new human-scale development is fundamental to the task.
“The Government’s own Metro Strategy makes clear that urban renewal will need to provide around 70% of the new housing Sydney needs over the next 25 years.
“We need clear policy, institutional and funding solutions – all matched with political leadership – if Sydney is to meet the challenges of inevitable future growth.
“This is not a case of imposing one-size-fits all developments. Medium-scale housing choices, sustainable outcomes and stronger communities will flow from innovation.”
Mr Morrison said key actions in the 10-point include:
· Using the COAG cities agenda as a template for clear leadership at federal, state and local government level to argue the case for urban renewal.
· Creating a state-level Urban Renewal Commission to take charge of master planning, site amalgamation, infrastructure planning and delivery for key urban renewal areas.
· Identification by the public and private sectors of key sites, corridors and transit nodes where urban renewal can and should take place.
· Establishing clear planning frameworks that facilitate site identification, merit-based assessments, rapid rezoning and sustainability outcomes.
· Developing a long-term infrastructure plan for Sydney and funding solutions.
· Bringing forward site amalgamation and compulsory acquisition tools that deliver value back to communities.
· Economic analysis of Local Environmental Plans to ensure developments are feasible and achieve transit-orientated objectives.
· An independent and transparent monitoring framework to guide investment decisions.
“We need to act swiftly if we are going to give Sydney the new housing accommodation it needs and stay ahead of the affordability challenge,” Mr Morrison said.
“Sydney has enjoyed a decade of converting large industrial sites into new housing areas. They are now drying up.
“That’s why a new action agenda is needed if we are going to give Sydney the quality urban renewal we all want and need".
Media contact: Ken Morrison, NSW Executive Director, 0412 233 715
To view a full copy of The Urban Renewal Lifeline, please visit the Property Council of Australia’s website (http://www.propertyoz.com.au/NSW/Division/Default.aspx).
