Premier Mike Baird has said work is under way to investigate how to establish a Greater Sydney Authority in a bid to end decades of chaotic decision-making.

Daily Telegraph deputy editor Ben English presenting the Fair Go Action Plan to NSW Premier Mike Baird / Picture: Jane Dempster Source: News Limited

“It is clear we have so many moving parts across the city that we need to ensure our co-ordination is right,’’ he told The Daily Telegraph.

Leading Sydney business and planning experts have backed The Telegraph’s Fair Go for the West campaign’s call to set up a London-style planning authority to co-ordinate decision-making among Sydney’s 43 local councils and different statutory authorities.

“We have started some work looking at this undefined I certainly support that approach,’’ he said.

Mr Baird made the comments after being presented with the Fair Go for The West Action Plan, which incorporates ideas put forward by our readers. The plan outlines initiatives that need to be undertaken to help Western Sydney to continue to develop into a place where families and businesses thrive.

Mr Baird said he was “looking forward to working through” the plan to consider what initiatives could be implemented by his government.

“The campaign has been full of energy and really reflecting the concerns and needs of Western Sydney,’’ he said. “I am excited by some of the ideas.’’

The setting up of a Greater Sydney Authority, based in Parramatta and reporting to the Premier, is one of the key initiatives in the action plan.

Other initiatives include:

• MOVING key government departments of Planning & Infrastructure, RMS and Transport NSW to new Western Sydney headquarters such as Liverpool and Penrith;
• OBTAINING $20 million investment for a feasibility study into the proposed $1.9 billion Parramatta Light Rail project;
• REDUCING stamp duty fees for first home buyers; and
• DEVELOPING Parramatta River Theatre into a 1400-seat top-class venue.

Since the campaign was launched, several initiatives have already been adopted or are now under consideration, including a commitment by Prime Minister Tony Abbott to build a second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek.

Key powerbrokers, including company director Rod McGeoch, Westfield co-chief executive Steven Lowy, NSW infrastructure chief Graham Bradley and Committee for Sydney leaders Lucy Turnbull and Tim Williams, believe Sydney will struggle to deliver critical housing and transport infrastructure unless a Greater Sydney Authority with overarching powers is set up.

The push for a Greater Sydney Authority comes as former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett called on Mr Baird to sack all NSW councillors after the next state election and redraw boundaries to create bigger, financially stronger councils.

Source: The Daily Telegraphy by John Lehmann. Original article.