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Building homes is not enough. We need a plan for all that must come with them.Credit:James Alcock

The newer Six Cities concept was introduced by former premier Dominic Perrottet to connect the cities of the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle,Central Coast,Greater Sydney and Illawarra-Shoalhaven.

Sydney is growing fast,but without a clear plan and long-term vision,we are setting ourselves up for failure. This means we fail for families who want cheaper energy bills,lower transport costs,or a good school for their kids to be able to walk to,or businesses which are looking to grow but are unsure where to invest. And we fail to protect the very thing that defines us to many around the world – our natural environment. Finally,and possibly the most heartbreaking,we fail future generations who will want to call Sydney home.

In our rush to tackle the housing crisis,we risk repeating past mistakes – rolling out new suburbs without the infrastructure to support families. No footpaths,no local schools,no transport,no parks,no nearby jobs. We don’t wantThe Truman Show –all facade,no foundation. Housing targets alone won’t deliver a great city.

Not only was the reference to Six Cities removed but requirements to renew strategic plans every five years were also watered down. This sends a troubling signal – there is no longer a comprehensive plan for Sydney’s future.

I strongly support the NSW government’s push for housing reform. But a housing plan is not enough. Where is the strategy to ensure that schools are being built at the same time as homes,not five years later? That transport investments match housing growth? That jobs are created near homes? Without an integrated approach,we risk a disconnected,unlivable city.

When people move into suburbs,how can we ensure there are good local jobs nearby? That industries such as bio-medical technology and advanced manufacturing,which will drive Sydney’s future prosperity,can take root and grow?

Indeed,we must also grapple with multiple,long-term challenges – such as climate change – beyond the immediate affordability crisis. This means having a strategic plan that prioritises putting more people as far away from climate and hazard risks as possible,while also helping them to adapt – think tree canopy targets to cool our streets or planning for more places for people to swim.

Don’t get me wrong,it doesn’t have to be a Six Cities vision either;in fact,I’ve got an even better idea. What if instead of having separate land use,waste,environmental,transport,health,education and water infrastructure plans,we just had one plan to rule them all?

We got close in 2018 with the firstGreater Sydney Commission plan that included both transport and land-use for three cities:western Sydney,Parramatta and the CBD – but what if we aimed even higher?

The new Sydney Metro has radically improved the way Sydneysiders move around the city.Credit:Oscar Colman

This isn’t some far-flung,impossible task. In fact,it’s common practice among global cities. Take New York City’sOneNYC 2050 plan,a 25-year strategy to guide important decisions on where to build housing,transport,schools,hospitals,parks and economic investment with a focus on fair and sustainable outcomes. The plan sets a clear vision for the city that allows all players in its future know what’s important and valued by government.

Having a comprehensive strategic plan for Sydney means the multitude of departments that deliver the infrastructure and services we rely on aren’t just operating in their own silos but can all sing from the same songsheet.

It means getting more of what we want – at the same time. I want more affordable homes for people to live in and a city that is resilient to floods and fires. I want Sydneysiders to have more ways to get around the city quickly and easily and a future-proofed economy that sustains our prosperity in a changing global environment. I want a fun city that fosters creativity and culture.

Wanting all these things – at the same time – isn’t an unreasonable desire. A unified strategic plan for Sydney is the road map to get us there. We call on the NSW government to be ambitious and restart strategic planning for Sydney as a matter of urgency. Without a long-term strategy,we will solve one crisis while creating another.

Every great global city operates with a bold,long-term vision – typically 20 years or more – guiding its growth and evolution. Without one,we are flying blind.

Eamon Waterford is chief executive of the Committee for Sydney.

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