State Government plans to address Sydney’s growing population, particularly in areas such as Ku-ring-gai, appear far thinner on the ground than the rapidly rising blocks of units transforming the local skyline, according to local MP, Jonathan O’Dea.

The Member for Davidson, whose electorate covers much of the Ku-ring-gai Council area, has advocated sensible, planned development to cater for Sydney’s future population growth.

However, he has opposed inappropriate development and moves to zone for more new dwellings in the Ku-ring-gai area than agreed under the Metropolitan Strategy.

“What is happening in Ku-ring-gai could easily be repeated across Sydney,” Mr O’Dea said.

“Towering blocks of flats now rise where gracious homes once stood … and it appears the State Labor Government can muster little more than a reactionary approach to the issue of population growth,” he said.

“In an answer to my Question On Notice over projected population growth figures for Sydney (Question 8980 below), former Planning Minister and now Premier, Kristina Keneally, could only refer to census data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

“State Labor’s planning of and response to Sydney’s population growth is unacceptably passive and reactionary, demonstrating a lack of vision and proactive planning,” Mr O’Dea said.

“The impact of an increasing population is one of the most important issues facing the Government and the community in general, affecting quality of life, the environment and delivery of basic services in my electorate and elsewhere.

“NSW must take a more proactive and visionary approach to the population issue, with appropriate public input and debate.

“It fundamentally affects the future direction of targeted areas such as Ku-ring-gai and NSW in general,” Mr O’Dea concluded.

8980—SYDNEY'S POPULATION FORECAST

Mr Jonathan O'Dea to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for the Central Coast—

1.     Is the anticipated Sydney's population forecast under the Metropolitan Strategy of 5.3 million people by 2031 being revised?

2.     If so, what is the latest actual or draft figure proposed?

3.     What other NSW Government population forecasts exist?

Answer—

I am advised that Sydney's population growth forecast is routinely updated using census data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Question asked on 1 December 2009 (session 54-1) and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 175.
Answer received on 18 December 2009 and to be printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 178.