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You are here: Home / UrbanGrowth, SMDA & RWA Plans & Activities / Government, UG, SMDA & RWA Statements / 2010 / RWA subsumed by new Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority

RWA subsumed by new Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority

As a priority, the authority will focus on areas currently administered by the Redfern Waterloo Authority, including North Eveleigh and the Australian Technology Park. It is anticipated Redfern and Granville will be the two priority areas for the SMDA over the next 12 months. A new interim board has been appointed and the RWA CEO becomes the interim CEO of the new Authority reports this media release of 23 September 2010 from Planning Minister Tony Kelly.

SYDNEY METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

NSW Cabinet has approved plans to establish the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) which will create new sustainable urban centres with additional housing and commercial projects.

Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly announced the authority as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to link planning for new housing and jobs together with existing and planned transport.

“The SMDA will drive housing and employment opportunities in specific areas serviced by public transport and infrastructure, and build economies of urban centres,” Mr Kelly said.

“Sydney will need 770,000 more homes and 760,000 jobs by 2036. These will need to be near transport and services, and the authority will help plan and deliver that.

“It will undertake planning work, much like the Redfern Waterloo Authority has done in relation to the redevelopment of Redfern RSL - where 84 units are being built right now, next to Redfern Station.

Specifically the role of the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority will include:

  • Working with transport and planning departments to identify precincts for renewal;
  • Undertaking land use planning investigations and feasibility analyses;
  • Delivering an overarching precinct plan;
  • Coordinating transport and infrastructure planning;
  • Planning for open space in identified precincts;
  • Levying infrastructure contributions and entering into planning agreements;
  • Deal with land;
  • Borrowing and managing funds; and
  • Partnering with public agencies and private entities when necessary.

The SMDA will use existing provisions of the Growth Centres (Development Corporations) Act and will assume the functions of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA).

As a priority, the authority will focus on areas currently administered by the Redfern Waterloo Authority, including North Eveleigh and the Australian Technology Park.

The Government has identified Granville Town Centre and Auto Alley as the next area for Cabinet consideration. It is anticipated Redfern and Granville will be the two priority areas for the SMDA over the next 12 months.

The authority builds on the Metropolitan Transport Plan, released in February 2010, and the updated Metropolitan Plan, to be released later this year.

“This Authority will be essential to our plans to better integrate land-use and transport planning, creating a more sustainable, affordable and liveable city,” Mr Kelly said.

“Its role will be to help prepare and implement plans for urban renewal precincts for commercial or housing development within Sydney’s existing borders, as well as in targeted Greenfield sites.

“It will have an important role boosting the amount, mix and choice of housing and commercial development within walking distance of key public transport hubs.

“This is a key way that the NSW Government will help plan for the extra homes and more jobs that we will need in Sydney by the year 2036.

“We will do this in partnership with the local councils and the Federal Government which, through the Federal Infrastructure Minister, will hold a position on the authority’s board.”

Mr Kelly said that this is about applying a model which works for the benefit of all of Sydney.

“The SMDA will operate under existing legislation in place for more than three decades, but will bring a new focus to strategic planning and urban rejuvenation in Sydney,” Mr Kelly said.

“This is about taking the model and powers we know work, and applying them in suitable precincts across Sydney so that the city grows in a more sustainable way.

“Of course public consultation will be central to the role of the SMDA, which will publicly exhibit any plans to revitalize these key precincts.”

Minister for Transport, John Robertson, welcomed the new Authority, and said it will help make Sydney a more sustainable city.

“We’re investing $50.2 billion in transport over the next ten years, and the Authority will ensure that contributes to a more sustainable city,” Mr Robertson said.

“It will help link the infrastructure we have, and the projects we are delivering, with where people will live and work.

“That’s good for public transport planning, urban planning, and easing congestion, and will help reduce commuting times by creating homes and jobs near public transport.”

CEO of the Redfern Waterloo Authority, Mr Roy Wakelin-King, will perform the role of Acting CEO of the new SMDA and he will sit on the interim Board, comprising:

  • Chair – Dr Col Gellatly (chair of RWA)
  • Lucy Turnbull – former Lord Mayor of Sydney, and Deputy Chair of the Commonwealth Expert Panel for the review of capital city strategic planning systems;
  • Shane Phillips – a prominent community leader representing Aboriginal interests;
  • The Directors-General (or their nominees) of Planning, Transport NSW, the Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Treasury; and
  • A nominee of the Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Transport

 Source: Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (PDF 170Kb) at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/default.aspx?tabid=381