NSW government reveals blueprint to fit an extra 1.3m people into Sydney

The New South Wales government has unveiled a blueprint to accommodate an additional 1.3 million residents in Sydney over the next 20 years. This strategy aims to address the housing shortage and drive economic growth in the region. Planning Minister Paul Scully revealed that the eastern suburbs will be the primary location for new housing, while Western Sydney will serve as the engine of economic growth.

The government projects a 59% increase in job growth from 475,000 to 755,000 in Western Sydney during the same period. To ensure a steady supply of new homes, councils will be required to have land available and zoned to meet a 30-year housing target. Critics, such as Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, argue that the plan lacks specifics on essential infrastructure like schools and metro lines.

Nevertheless, Local Government New South Wales supports the long-term planning requirement, emphasizing the urgent need for adequate housing supply in Sydney. The plan also aims to diversify the types of housing available, including townhouses and apartments, to cater to various population needs.