Six months to the day until the next state election, the Committee for Sydney today (Sun) announces its priorities for the next NSW Government.

The next NSW State election will take place on 23 March 2019. The think tank has published 60 ideas for the next State Government to focus on. These include:

• Reducing the waiting list for social housing by building 20,000 new dwellings.
• Making Sydney West Metro the No.1 priority transport project in the state.
• Looking at replacing stamp duty with a land tax.
• Giving government departments targets to free up public land to deliver affordable housing.
• Deliver a North-South rail line to Western Sydney Airport in time for the Airport’s opening in 2026.
• Build Western Sydney’s innovation economy by establishing start-up hubs in Parramatta, Penrith, Liverpool and Macquarie Park.
• Deliver at least two new arts and cultural venues in Western Sydney.
• Appoint a Night-time Commissioner at the heart of government to boost the 24-hour economy.
• Merge together the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads to create a ‘Super-Ministry’ for Mobility with oversight for all transport responsibilities, including roads.

The plan has been devolved in consultation with over 150 members of the Committee for Sydney, including major businesses, universities, arts and culture organisations and local governments.

The plan states:

“The 2019 election matters to Sydney: the next state government will have to manage a city with one of the highest population growth rates of any global city and maintain the state’s economic competitiveness, whilst ensuring equity and opportunity for all citizens.”

“Our vision is for a prosperous, equitable and sustainable city that provides quick and easy transport options that encourage people to meet and businesses to flourish. A city that is able to adapt to new technology and creates opportunities for more efficient and better integrated transport networks and services. An open city that embraces diversity and offers one of the best qualities of life in the world.”

Notes for Editors:

1. The Committee for Sydney is an independent think tank and champion for the whole of Sydney, providing thought leadership beyond the electoral cycle. The Committee aims to enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions that make Sydney a competitive, resilient and liveable global city. The Committee has a diverse membership with over 150 member organisations: including the major corporate sectors driving Sydney’s economy; local authorities; key NSW Government departments and agencies; not- for-profit organisations; and leading arts and sporting institutions. Members help develop and deliver priorities, provide expertise and ensure a representative geographical spread across the greater Sydney region.