Planning for Sydney
Sydney is a vast city that houses 5 million people, 3 million dwellings and an average household size of 2.5 people, said Dr. Shane Geha, Managing Director and Founder of EG Property Group. Dr. Geha was the guest speaker at the October monthly dinner of the Australian Arab Business Council (AABC) held on Wednesday 11 October 2017 at the Waterview Bicentennial.
Due to the geographical spread, a natural terrain, and an ever-increasing population fuelled by internal and overseas migration, planning for such growth is a complex matter, he said. The NSW Government Planning and Environment Authority is planning for the city of Sydney to be economically competitive, possess better housing choices and be great to live in with strong, healthy and well-connected communities. It also needs to be sustainable and resilient.
With a limit on outward expansion, the only option available is an upward one. Compared to other major cities around the world, Sydney has a relatively low population density. Dr. Geha suggested mixed uses (flexible zoning) to allow increased densities to be achieved, resulting in better public transport patronage and more walking journeys.
Dr. Geha has extensive experience in rezoning, with over 200 rezoning and complex Development Applications resolved with a 98% success rate, completing 12 billion dollars of successful projects since 1999. He is a Civil Engineering lecturer at the University of Sydney, and was recently appointed Adjunct Professor at the University of New South Wales.
Prior to introducing Dr Geha, Acting AABC President Mr Kerim El Gabaili, briefed members on the dynamic aspects of the soon-to-be completed new website for the AABC.
The next dinner will host Mayors of local Government Councillors of Arabic speaking background on Tuesday 14 November 2017, to be held at the Waterview Bicentennial. The Dinner will provide a forum on how to increase the collaboration between the political and business leadership within the community to improve the standing of the community.
A full copy of the presentation is available
EG Is Sydney the best city it can be Presentation to AABC_v4
