University of Western Sydney
University of Western Sydney
09/12/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2022 00:33
A blueprint is great, but the people should decide what ‘Global City’ we create
The Centre for Western Sydney, based within Western Sydney University, welcomes the recent release of 'The Six Cities Discussion Paper' by the Greater Cities Commission (GCC).
Director of the Centre for Western Sydney, Professor Andy Marks, said the Discussion Paper is an important contribution to the concept of Greater Sydney, the Hunter and Illawarra as a mega-planning platform - one focussed on creating more connections and opportunities.
"It is a very useful way to test community appetite for large-scale policy and planning coordination, and it comes at a time when collaboration across political jurisdictions is in focus", said Professor Marks.
Professor Marks said the Six Cities Discussion Paper foregrounds the University's own upcoming report - 'Parramatta 2035: Vibrant, Sustainable, Global' (otherwise known as the 'Glover Review') - commissioned by the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, to be released in October.
Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover AO, was appointed by the Premier in early 2022 to lead a review - with the Centre for Western Sydney - on how to develop Parramatta as a global city over the coming decade.
The Glover Review, to be launched by the Premier on 6 October, will recommend:
- Reconfiguring local governance and amplifying Greater Parramatta's 'borough' character.
- Addressing critical liveability challenges through prioritising affordable housing.
- Cementing Greater Parramatta as the 'fast-rail' intersection for the 'six-cities' region.
Critically, Professor Marks said the Glover Review will also ask challenging questions about the future of Camellia, a critical precinct that has in recent years reached a planning stalemate.
"The Glover Review offers a series of recommendations for the region. It also asks the community, industry, and government to make some critical decisions about what type of global city Parramatta should strive to be", said Professor Marks.
"Planning on a mega scale can be a great framework for planners. The Glover Review will set a trajectory at a city-level as to how wider Sydney, including the Hunter and Illawarra can engage with Australia's next global city."
To have your say on the future of Parramatta, visit: https://futureofgpop.com.au/ (opens in a new window)
ENDS
12 September 2022