We're planning for a Sydney that leads Australia’s economic future with a bold 10-year vision. This strategy is set to support 200,000 new jobs, extend light rail transport connections and boost investment in the green tech and Indigenous businesses that will drive our growth.
A city shaped by collaboration
Our new economic development strategy 2025-2035 is the result of a unique collaboration with key business leaders. We've worked closely with our business advisory panel, which includes representatives from the Committee for Sydney, Business Sydney, Property Council of Australia, Four Pillars Gin, University of Sydney, Supply Nation, Canva and Greenhouse.
Hear Matt Jones, co-founder of Four Pillars Gin and chair of the business advisory panel, explain how we can grow Sydney as a place people want to live, work, play, visit and invest in. Matt has led the panel of all walks of business that have shaped this place-based strategy that brings focus to growing our creative, innovation and tourism sectors.
Priority projects
We’re proposing more than $540 million in economic development and 8 priority, or momentum building, projects. Here’s what’s in store.
Transforming transport
Extending light rail from Broadway to Parramatta Road and onto Green Square. This project will enhance connectivity, spur housing development and create thousands of jobs at the heart of Sydney's tech, cultural and educational epicentre. We’re committing $100 million in public domain works to make this vision a reality.
Hear business advisory panel member Eamon Waterford, CEO of the Committee for Sydney, outline how the extension of light rail will be a game-changer and catalyst to boost housing and create more jobs for the tech and innovation sector and better connections across Sydney.
Supporting Indigenous enterprises
We’re investing $1 million to support Indigenous businesses throughout their lifecycle, from seeding new enterprises to scaling to become established businesses in the local area.
Kate Russell, CEO of Supply Nation connects thousands of Indigenous businesses with corporates across Australia. Hear Kate explain that economic prosperity is more than just gross domestic product (GDP), it’s also about a fair and equitable approach to growth.
Leading the green economy transformation
Sydney is set to become a global hub for sustainable finance by accelerating green tech and innovation. We're fostering job growth and investment in climate solutions to position Sydney at the forefront of the global green economy.
Creel Price, Executive Chairman of Greenhouse, heads up Australia's largest dedicated climate tech co-working space. Their George Street, Sydney office supports over 400 ecopreneurs and climate action supporters. He explains how investing in green tech isn’t just about the environment, it’s about the jobs of the future.
Other priority projects
Retaining international student talent: We’re developing pathways to help more international students transition to the workforce, addressing critical skills gaps and keeping Sydney’s talent pipeline strong.
Using vacant spaces for creatives: Collaborating with property owners and the cultural sector to turn vacant commercial spaces into vibrant creative hubs.
Creating local circular economies: Partnering with small business collectives to reduce waste and promote sustainability, transforming waste into opportunities.
Reimagining the visitor experience: Adapting to post-pandemic needs by working with the NSW Government and tourism providers to enhance visitor experiences.
Injecting more vibrancy into our streets: Creating more effective ways to activate local streets in collaboration with small businesses.
Shaping Sydney's future
Explore the visionary ideas driving our economic strategy and be part of the conversation. Have your say by 27 September.
Published 13 August 2024, updated 15 August 2024
