The Greater Cities Commission is calling for input on a plan to transform and connect six of the State’s regional cities.
In its Six Cities Discussion Paper, the Commission said it envisioned a connected region of six cities where people and goods could cross the region in 90 minutes, and everyone in the region was digitally and globally connected in a nanosecond.
It said the Six City Region would encompass Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City.
Welcoming the Discussion Paper, Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was a blueprint to better connect and create more liveable cities across NSW, while providing more access to services.
“This is the next step in establishing a globally competitive city region with more jobs, housing, education opportunities and lifestyle benefits, bettering the lives of everyone in the Six Cities,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our ambitious vision includes unlocking new opportunities for businesses across the Six Cities in traditional industries and also in the industries of the future such as defence technology, aerospace, medtech and renewable energy.”
He said the Discussion Paper also laid the groundwork to supercharge the development of more modern and advanced manufacturing in the Six Cities.
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport, Rob Stokes said the Region could become a global exemplar of sustainable urban development.
“Housing targets need to be more ambitious to address supply challenges and I want to ensure that all new residential development on Government land includes 30 per cent social, affordable and diverse housing,” Mr Stokes said.
“With more migrants set to settle in the Six Cities – our plans will include targets to achieve the housing we need,” he said.
“We also have to reduce our dependence on cars and provide more safe options for people to walk or cycle.”
In order to achieve that, Mr Stokes said the State needed to continue to plan and invest in the right active transport infrastructure.
Following engagement on the Discussion Paper which will be open until 30 October, work to develop and finalise the Six Cities Region Plan is to be undertaken in 2023.
The Commission’s online Discussion Paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
