The New South Wales government has finalised its 20-year Sydney Plan, establishing an overarching framework to align housing, employment, and infrastructure planning as the state capital’s population is expected to expand from 5.3 million to 6.6 million by 2046.
Designed to end decades of uncoordinated urban development, the roadmap sets ambitious targets for at least 800,000 new homes and 950,000 jobs over the next two decades.
For the first time, employment targets will be broken down by local government areas (LGA), giving every council a direct stake and accountability in future economic growth.
Under the finalised framework, local councils will be legally required to maintain at least 30 years of feasible housing capacity through their Local Environmental Plans.
Following the conclusion of the National Housing Accord in 2029, the NSW government will work directly with local authorities to establish updated five-year housing targets.
The Sydney Plan prioritises increased housing density in Sydney’s established eastern suburbs close to transport and essential services.
Meanwhile, Western Sydney will serve as the engine room for industrial and job growth, anchored by the Western Sydney International Airport, the Aerotropolis, and dedicated innovation precincts.
Following more than 2,000 submissions after public exhibition in late 2025, the plan also locks in key liveability infrastructure.
This includes designated ‘Blue-Green Grid’ corridors to improve public access to parklands and waterways, with the first three projects delivered over the next three years.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the integrated strategy would ensure housing, jobs, and services are planned together rather than in isolation.
“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,” Scully said.
“This Sydney Plan provides a clear roadmap for where homes, jobs and infrastructure should go over the next 20 years.
“This is about planning ahead, not catching up, so Sydney has the homes it needs for the next 30 years and beyond.”
Alongside the package, the government released NSW’s first State Land Use Plan and a new Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands to protect key economic precincts.
