Committee for Sydney

🏘️ We can't sprawl our way out of the housing crisis. If we want to stop 34,000 people fleeing the state due to unaffordability, Sydney should look to cities like Singapore and Vienna for bold solutions that prioritise affordable housing at scale >> https://lnkd.in/gT7Ua7ia Cities like Vienna, Hong Kong, and Singapore have shown us what’s possible, with upwards of 50% of their housing dedicated to affordability. As Jeremy Gill says to The Daily Telegraph, these cities – and many others – have long-term visions for the future, blueprinting where homes, infrastructure, business and recreation will be built decades before it is needed. Adopting similar strategies in Sydney could unlock capacity and provide attainable, quality housing for Sydney’s growing population. From strategic densification to smarter infrastructure investment, we have the tools to meet our housing needs – but only if we act with a bold, strategic vision that focuses on what we need for our city to thrive for at least the next 50 years. If we fail to act now and plan for the future, we risk losing $10 billion each year in talent, productivity and innovation. Internal migration data revealed 34,000 people left NSW to live in other states in the last financial year, with The City of Sydney, Parramatta and Canterbury-Bankstown experiencing an exodus in the thousands >> https://lnkd.in/gSpz8MN2 Our 2024 Benchmarking Sydney report highlighted that Sydney performs really well against our global peer cities. But to continue to mature as a great city, retain our talented people and provide affordable homes for them to live, we need a clear vision for the city we want to be. Read the full report >> https://lnkd.in/g-8TEhxb Paul Scully, Jake McCallum, Dr Tim Moonen, Chris Minns, Clover Moore AO, Gail Connolly PSM, Penny Sharpe, John Graham. Paul Nicolaou, David Borger, David Harding, Elizabeth Mildwater, Kiersten Fishburn, Katie Stevenson, Mike Zorbas, Larry McGrath, Alice Vincent, The Business Of Cities, Housing Now!, Rebecca Pinkstone, Leonie King, Homes NSW

🗺️🚶🏽♀️ Crows Nest and North Sydney – there's no better place to hit the streets for a classic Committee walking tour, sponsored by Mecone - Urban Planning , to trace our city's next steps in urban development. Both suburbs are set for major transformation: Crows Nest will be rezoned for additional housing as part of the Transport Oriented Development Program, and the opening of Sydney Metro has already sparked new commercial and residential opportunities in North Sydney. From touring office buildings and parks to exploring the placemaking at metro stops and new housing developments, we learned more about the transformative potential of the area, hearing insights from Alex Longley, Hugh Phemister, Ben Hendriks, Ivan Glavinic, Matt Deeks, Pumina Liyanagama, Alexander Frankl, Evan Chalmers, Chris Collignon, Emilya Colliver, Paul Slaven, Rachel Vincent, GAICD, Zoe Baker, Ian Devereux and Adam Coburn along the tour. It was fantastic to hear directly from the brilliant minds who have a stake in shaping Crows Nest and North Sydney! Just a few of the stops we covered: 📍 Wadanggari Park, a beautiful example of well-made public space within high density precincts 📍 Crows Nest and Victoria Cross metro stations, where we looked into the development and delivery of the groundbreaking metro 📍 AirTrunk offices and 1 Denison North Sydney, which revealed new opportunities for work and innovation in the area 📍 88 by JQZ precinct and Aura by Aqualand Australia, giving us a close-up look at local residential and mixed-use projects. Special thanks to Mecone - Urban Planning , our series sponsor, for supporting our event, and to everyone who joined us on the day. Willoughby City Council, Mecone - Urban Planning , Arcadia Landscape Architecture, Lendlease, Sydney Metro, Cox Architecture, Art Pharmacy - B Corp Certified - Art Consultants,CBRE, Arlita McDonald, Alexander Wendler, Landcom, North Sydney Council, Sydney Metro, Billbergia Group, Shannon Kliendienst, Harri Bancroft, Estelle Grech, Matt Levinson, Abhi Josie, Ann-Maree Carruthers, Ash Nicholson

♻️ What does the future of our green industries look like? How do we adapt as green jobs grow and change? This morning, we heard from a fantastic lineup of speakers on Sydney's transforming energy economy, and how we can set up our workforce and communities for long-term success. Some takeaways ⬇️ 📊 Australia is just at the beginning of a green jobs bloom. Green jobs are growing at a much faster rate than average employment, especially in the construction and mining sectors. We're also seeing a net positive impact on employment despite job losses from sunset industries – for every 100 workers exiting a sunset job, 452 workers are likely to transition into a green job. 🎓 We need new skills for a green economy – and universities are the catalysers. Schools like University of Technology Sydney are already collaborating with industry to co-design microcredentials and develop teaching programs that upskill Sydney's workforce for a green future. A critical area of focus is attracting and retaining women, ensuring these career paths are accessible and flexible for them. 🌏 As we shape the future of our green industries, we can – and must – power First Nations jobs in clean energy. We’re at a crossroads of an equitable jobs transition, and there is a huge opportunity for renewable energy zones (REZ) to contribute towards Closing the Gap targets on education, training and employment. First Nations employment targets of 5 to 10% appear achievable across most renewable energy zones over time, especially in the Hunter Central Coast region >> https://lnkd.in/gvwdarSw It was great to hear Julie Jupp, Michelle Tjondro, William Miles, Jon Chadwick, Will Schmitt, and Jeremy Gill dig deep into these insights and explore all the challenges and opportunities for green industries in Sydney and regional NSW. Read our Transforming Sydney's Economy report >> https://lnkd.in/gZFdG_Hg Special thanks to AECOM for generously hosting and supporting our event! Harshitha Giriyapura, Rekelle Bailey, Karrina Nolan, Chris Croker, Aarushi Kochhar, Alicia Ferrier, Anne Magney, Giulia Vignaroli, Dr Kane Pham, Kylie Newcombem Paige Matthews, Stephen Callaghan, Suzanna Remmerswaal, Tim Ward, Investment NSW, Mecone - Urban Planning , Michael Di Lazzaro, Kristian Kolding, Rosie Oldfield, Emily Dabbs, Samantha Glass, SGS Economics and Planning, PwC

🔍 Look at this exciting proposal for a new life sciences research campus in Alexandria! Plans include a below-ground Proton Therapy Cancer Treatment Centre, multi-use workspaces, and two research buildings with laboratories and patient facilities. The campus would also be close to major hospitals and universities, such as Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, St Vincent’s, Prince of Wales, UNSW Sydney and TAFE NSW. This is a huge step forward for Sydney’s rapidly evolving life sciences sector, as well as the health outcomes of our communities. We need more spaces that cultivate research and development on home soil, or we risk losing talent and IP to innovation hubs elsewhere – a key point of our Transforming Sydney’s Economy report. Read it here >> https://lnkd.in/gTHkhag5 Kurraba Group, Daniel Howard, Ethos Urban, Nina Macken, Gensler, Mercedes Janecek, Ben Porges, Lachlan Clancy, Kate Evans, Ken McBryde, Ryley Poblete, Jeremy Gill, Eamon Waterford

🏊 Time to make a splash in our beautiful rivers! A new river taskforce has been launched to create more accessible swim spots along western Sydney's waterways >> https://lnkd.in/gCtXrA5h The taskforce will work on identifying and enhancing potential sites, with the goal of transforming parts of Western Sydney’s rivers into recreational havens with opportunities for swimming, walking, cycling, and dining. It's an initiative that would bring cool relief to western Sydney, an area experiencing rising temperatures and climate risk, yet lacking the abundance of watering holes easily found along the eastern suburbs. As Eamon Waterford said to The Daily Telegraph, it's imperative for governments to provide more accessible swim spots and give residents in the west the same opportunities as those who live near the city's beaches. Read more on the impacts of heat in the Committee's Burning Money report >> https://lnkd.in/gX3CxsdH 📷: Studio Octopi, Urbis, Business Western Sydney, Sydney Water Madeleine Bower, Sam Kernaghan, Rosie Oldfield, Dr Rhonda Itaoui, Estelle Grech, David Naidoo, City of Parramatta, Penrith City Council, Lisa Havilah, Powerhouse, David Borger, Jackson Vernon, Clare Porter, Penny Sharpe, Resilient Sydney, NSW Reconstruction Authority, Gail Connolly PSM, Sebastian Pfautsch GAICD, Janice Lee, Scyne Advisory, Judith Bruinsma, Vida Cheeseman, Endeavour Energy (NSW), Negin Nazarian, Kerry Robinson OAM

Drilling for a high-speed rail line from Sydney to Newcastle has begun 🚆🚀 Two drill rigs are now at work on the Central Coast, conducting geotechnical studies to determine the best tunneling route for this transformative project >> https://lnkd.in/g_3sS7x2 With strong commuter demand on the existing Sydney-Newcastle line and a growing population on the Central Coast, the government has prioritised this corridor for the first stage of high-speed rail. The initiative also aims to drive new employment opportunities as Newcastle gradually transitions from coal-based industries. High Speed Rail Authority (Australia), Jo Haylen, Josh Murray, Tim Parker, WSP in Australia, Arup, KPMG Australia, Urbis, Camden FitzGerald, Harri Bancroft, Transport for NSW, Peter Regan, Katherine Martin, Matthew Vane-Tempest, Scott Gartrell, Trudi Mares, Howard Collins, OBE, Matthew Fuller, Elizabeth Mildwater, James Cullen, Elias Visontay, Sean Macken, Stephen Taylor, Brisbane Water, Jeremy Gill

🏗️ We've gotten better and quicker at building extraordinary things: a new Metro, Parramatta Light Rail (with Stage 2 on the way - along with a new Powerhouse), Australia's longest road tunnel, and an incoming Western Sydney International Airport. As Eamon Waterford said to the The Daily Telegraph, the Bradfield era pushed us to be very intentional in how we identify and invest in our infrastructure – and the government shouldn't pump the breaks despite facing cost pressures. The top priority should be the next two Metro lines, following the completion of Metro West – linking Parramatta to the CBD >> https://lnkd.in/gK33sZvM But losing momentum could lead us down a boulevard of broken dreams. While many incredible projects have moved our city forward, there are those that are yet to materialise, such as reclaiming the long-disused Parramatta Road >> https://lnkd.in/gpE_3B2G We can't stand still now. We need to deliver the infrastructure Sydney needs as we navigate a chronic housing crisis, a rapidly increasing population, and growing opportunities to become an innovation powerhouse >> https://lnkd.in/gwFzMzg3 Read more >> https://lnkd.in/g382bTSX David Borger, Business Western Sydney, Transport for NSW, Josh Murray, Joanne Pettit, Paul Nicolaou, Blake Barratt, Jeremy Gill, Estelle Grech, Harri Bancroft, Michael Rose, Darcy Byrne, John Faker GAICD, Clover Moore AO, Penny Graham, Jo Haylen, James O'Doherty, Megan Gorrey, Ben English, John Lehmann, Tom Nance, Simon Hickey, Jessica Cortis, Brooke Eggleton, Chris Minns

Show some love for your favourite high streets! From Freedom Plaza in Cabramatta to The Corso in Manly, which one gets your vote as your favourite place? Urban Design Association NSW is looking for the state’s favourite urban place for 2024 – cast your vote on your top three from the shortlist before it closes on 10 November >> https://lnkd.in/gRSHpW2F Last year's favourite high street was Lackey Street in Summer Hill, a charming pedestrian-friendly spot with plenty of greenery, close proximity to public transport, and a mix of heritage buildings, neighbourhood shops and open spaces. Runners-up included King Street in Newtown and Majors Bay Road in Concord. High streets like these are more than just places to shop. They’re community hubs that bring people together, shape local culture and support diverse businesses. This poll is a chance to highlight what makes these streets so vital and to celebrate the spaces where communities thrive. Read our 2021 Mapping Sydney’s High Streets report, which explores the critical role high streets play in making Sydney a more connected, liveable and resilient city >> https://lnkd.in/gTKaumkP 💬 Tell us in the comments which three you voted for, and why! Michael Kahn, PhD, Estelle Grech, Matt Levinson, David Tickle, Walk Sydney, Philip Graus, Fairfield City Council, City of Parramatta, Waverley Council, City of Canterbury Bankstown, Soul of Chinatown, Haymarket Chamber of Commerce, Haymarket Alliance, Hornsby Shire Council, Lane Cove Council, Manly Council, Bayside Council (NSW), City of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, Liverpool City Council

🚴♀️💭 You’re running late to a meeting, or a catchup with friends – and you spot a Lime bike across the street. The convenience and speed is tempting (it’ll halve your commute!) but there’s no helmet available. Do you ride it anyway? This dilemma is familiar to the many Sydneysiders who rely on share bikes for quick, short-distance trips around the city >> https://lnkd.in/gaD9b2cs Although wearing a helmet is mandatory for cyclists in NSW, shared-bike users often struggle to find a clean, available helmet. Many helmets go missing, are left in poor condition, or are too dirty to use. We believe it’s time for policymakers to rethink helmet rules to make cycling easier and more accessible. In our submission to the parliamentary inquiry on e-bikes and e-scooters, we proposed that helmets be compulsory only on roads with speed limits of 40 km/h or higher, while optional on bike paths, shared paths, and lower-speed roads. Of course, this change should go hand in hand with creating slower streets and improving safe cycling infrastructure and education, as Harri Bancroft says to the The Sydney Morning Herald. While it feels amazing to freely hop on a bike in major cycling cities like Copenhagen, London or Paris, they also have safer infrastructure that makes it easier for riders to go without helmets, and for motorists to share the road with them. What do you think – helmet or no helmet? 🚲 Fiona Campbell, City of Sydney, Daniel Sobkowski, CTS, Bicycle NSW, Sara Stace, Jo Haylen, Clover Moore AO, Peter McLean, Sebastian Smyth, Estelle Grech, Harri Bancroft, Walk Sydney, Transport for NSW, Peta Fitzgerald

Huge news: Sydney Marathon has been selected as the seventh world major, joining the ranks of the world’s great marathons 🏃♀️ 🏃♂️ >> https://lnkd.in/gg3jyAay The announcement in New York overnight follows an intense three-year judging period, in which the event grew from around 5000 entrants in 2022 to 25,000 in 2024. Next year, 33,300 runners are expected at the starting line, and almost 38,000 in 2027. Major-status is expected to dramatically increase participation and viewer numbers, with the other marathon giants in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York watched by an average 20 million viewers. More than 840,000 people have applied to run in next year's London Marathon, despite there being space for just 55,000 runners. 👟 Looks like it's time to strap on those running shoes and sign up for next year >> https://lnkd.in/g34vcTyY TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, John Graham, Wayne Larden, Madeleine Bower, Abbott World Marathon Majors, Pont3 Pty Ltd, Keith Hong, Tata Consultancy Services, ASICS Oceania, Destination NSW, Steve Cox, Stephen Mahoney, Lyn Lewis-Smith, Carolin Lenehan, Lizzie Butterworth, Angud Chawla, Philippa Taylor, Sport NSW, Office of Sport, Stuart Hodge, Chris Hall, Matt Levinson