Introduction

I am delighted to present the North District Plan, which sets out planning priorities and actions for improving the quality of life for residents as the District grows and changes.

The Plan recognises what the Greater Sydney Commission has heard - the North District has outstanding natural assets, including wonderful beaches and bushland, on the edges of a growing district, and that its residents have access to thriving centres, giving the District an enviable mix of lifestyles.

This Plan complements those natural and built assets, and it puts people first. It considers major infrastructure investments and the transport, infrastructure, services, affordable housing and open spaces that will be required as the population grows and the demographics change.

The Plan acknowledges great places bring people together. It respects and creates the conditions for the wellbeing of communities, and for the celebration of culture, heritage and creative pursuits.

It protects the environmental sustainability of the landscape with strategies that enhance waterways, bushland, biodiversity and green open spaces.

Collaboration is the key to transparent and informed decision-making on our city's future growth. The Greater Sydney Commission will continue to bring together all parties with an interest in the District's future and channel the collective energy into improved planning outcomes.

By taking a leadership role, we are bringing together public resources and expertise to create a more liveable, productive and sustainable city.

Finally, on behalf of the Greater Sydney Commission, I acknowledge the important work of councils whose submissions and feedback on the needs of their neighbourhoods and centres have been invaluable. Together with the community and other stakeholders, your expertise and interest have helped to produce an inspiring and practical plan.

The North District is one of the loveliest areas of Greater Sydney and Australia. It offers world-class beaches and bushland, from the coastline suburbs between Manly and Palm Beach to leafy areas such as Lane Cove, Wahroonga and Beecroft. It is rich in natural and Aboriginal heritage, and along with urban heritage areas such as Crows Nest, Castlecrag and Hunters Hill we have insights into the District's past.

The Eastern Economic Corridor looms large as the most productive corridor in the region. Beginning in the north-west, it seamlessly connects the District to the wealth and jobs of the Harbour CBD. Many people want to enjoy this lifestyle while living within reach of a diversity of worldleading workplaces.

Like the rest of Greater Sydney, the District's population will grow and demographics will change over the next 20 years. By ensuring that new and enhanced infrastructure including transport, hospitals and schools keeps pace with population changes, current and future residents will benefit. We need to ensure that new development delivers quality urban places for people.

We know that many people struggle with congestion, and while we will gain easier and quicker access to strategic centres from road and rail investments such as Sydney Metro and NorthConnex, I want to continue working together to provide good access, including walking and safe cycling, to schools, shops and workplaces as well as our District's bushland and waterways.

This Plan is part of a continuing conversation between all of us who live and work here, about how we can come together to create the District we aspire to. I'm eager for as many people as possible to get involved as we implement the Plan. It's an important step in helping to shape the decisions that will drive the District's future.