Inside NSW’s 20-year plan for Sydney’s next 800,000 homes

Sydney will need at least 800,000 additional homes and 950,000 more jobs by 2046, as its population grows from 5.3 million to 6.6 million. This data from the NSW government underpins the newly released “Sydney Plan” covering the 33 local government areas across the city. The state government has outlined its plans for Sydney's housing growth over the next 20 years. Picture: GettyIt’s intended to guide council planning, infrastructure priorities and public and private investment as the city grows, with NSW planning and public spaces minister Paul Scully noting that an absence of a plan leaves the city with substantial risks. “For too long, Sydney's growth was left to chance, with housing, jobs and infrastructure planned in silos and communities left to pick up the pieces,” Mr Scully said. “The new Sydney Plan changes that.” Where will the homes go? The plan directs more housing towards Sydney’s east, particularly in areas close to jobs, public transport and essential services. Western Sydney, meanwhile, is identified as the focus of the city’s next major wave of economic growth, driven by Western Sydney International Airport, the Aerotropolis, advanced industries, logistics and inno...