Improving the Sydney Plan

The Sydney Plan needs to be a directive spatial plan to be effective. In Vivendi’s view, the Sydney Plan should:

1.     Be specific and directive to be effective: Set measurable outcomes and clear tests that guide decisions

2.     Address the job and transport deficit in the west: Provide sub-regional mapping and an strategy to grow jobs and improve connectivity within existing areas first

3.    Map and protect long-term regional rail corridors: Include a comprehensive transport network plan, corridor protection, and locate 90% of new housing where jobs are reachable by public transport

4.     Require land use mix around density for sustainable development: Ensure uplift is tied to local centres, childcare, daily services and open space within walking distance

5.     Facilitate walkable, local schools: Plan schools near centres and enable safe, walkable catchments that reflect education and social trips

6.     Shift to form-based design and strengthen design quality measures: Prioritise urban form and street quality, including coherent street walls where appropriate

7.     Remove greenfield expansion, or at least map constraints: Avoid encouraging further greenfield release without full constraints mapping, noting new greenfield is unlikely to be serviceable nor deliver homes close to jobs and amenity.

8.     Mandate affordable housing, social infrastructure and vibrancy: Set clear affordable housing expectations, establish a social infrastructure contributions approach and map locations intended for long-term vibrancy