Sydney’s Growing Pains: The Infrastructure Deficit in Greenfield Developments
Sydney’s rapid expansion, particularly in the city’s northwest, is creating a looming crisis: new housing estates are being built without the essential community infrastructure to support them. Blacktown City Council, at the forefront of this growth, has warned that hundreds of thousands of future residents may lack access to basic amenities like pools, libraries, and community centers.
The “Non-Essential” Infrastructure Problem
The core of the issue lies in how the New South Wales government classifies infrastructure. Facilities deemed “non-essential” – including those vital for community wellbeing – are not prioritized when developers contribute to infrastructure costs. Under current state law, developers are only required to fund “essential” infrastructure, primarily roads and water systems. A cap on these contributions, introduced in 2012, hasn’t kept pace with inflation, further exacerbating the problem.
A Social Deficit in the Making
Kerry Robinson, CEO of Blacktown City Council, described the situation as creating a “social deficit,” warning that the consequences will be felt for generations. The lack of community facilities risks isolating residents and hindering the development of thriving, connected neighborhoods. This echoes historical patterns observed in the 1950s and 60s, where similar development practices led to significant social challenges.
The Inequality Factor
Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil highlighted the link between urban sprawl and inequality. Residents in fringe areas often face longer commutes, higher transportation costs, and limited job opportunities. The current approach, she argued, risks embedding inequality into the particularly fabric of the city. A shift towards prioritizing infill development and comprehensive infrastructure planning is crucial to address this issue.
The Need for a New Approach
The Grattan Institute’s Aruna Sathanapally suggests that the challenges of sprawl are forcing a re-evaluation of development priorities. Necessity is driving a focus on infill development, which allows for more efficient apply of existing infrastructure and reduces the strain on outer suburbs. While, a fundamental change in how infrastructure contributions are calculated and allocated is needed to ensure that new communities are truly sustainable.
FAQ: Greenfield Developments and Infrastructure
- What is a greenfield development? Greenfield developments are residential areas built on previously undeveloped land, typically on the outskirts of cities.
- Why are developers not funding all infrastructure? Current legislation only requires developers to contribute to “essential” infrastructure, with a capped contribution amount.
- What is infill development? Infill development involves building within existing urban areas, utilizing vacant land or redeveloping existing properties.
- How does this affect property values? Lack of infrastructure can negatively impact property values and the overall quality of life in a community.
This situation demands a collaborative effort between state and local governments, developers, and communities to ensure that Sydney’s growth is sustainable and equitable. Without a significant shift in priorities, the city risks creating a two-tiered system where new residents are left behind.
Explore further: Read more about urban planning and sustainable development on the Committee for Sydney’s website: https://www.committeeSydney.org.au
