Planning in Greater Sydney – Holroyd City Case Study

Abstract

The chapter addresses the extent Holroyd Council (herein referred to as Holroyd) is applying sustainable urban planning (SUP) practices (see Chap. 1) in planning the municipal area. The chapter acknowledges the Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016 merging Holroyd with Auburn council noted in Chap. 2). Holroyd (in Greater Parramatta District) is one of twelve municipalities within three Greater Sydney Districts (Sydney Inner West, Greater Parramatta and St George), all considered to be in global transition (see Chap. 2). Examining SUP practices is based on the application of three key SUP principles (as adopted in Chap. 2), being: Developing Sustainable Urban Centers; Developing Sustainable Transport; and, Protecting the Natural Environment.

Firstly, a background to Holroyd development and population changes (e.g. global movement of population) is outlined. To examine the pattern of urban development, four phases of Holroyd development are examined: Early Holroyd; Traditional Holroyd; New Holroyd; and, Future Holroyd. Given conclusions reached here, key Holroyd Council planning documents are then critiqued to determine the extent Council applies SUP practices. In addition, given State planning of Greater Sydney affects Holroyd, a second question is posed: what is the impact of Greater Sydney planning and development on Holroyd? In examining this question, examples of State plans (including council amalgamations under the Proclamation noted above) likely to affect Holroyd are addressed.by chapter’s end, conclusions are drawn on Council planning and impact of Greater Sydney planning on Holroyd. The chapter notes that these conclusions will be addressed further in: Chap. 13 (examining the extent of SUP practices being applied over the whole of Greater Parramatta District); and, Chap. 18 (examining directions for planning a sustainable Greater Sydney or a sustainable city anywhere).

Plate 12.1

Dedication: Holroyd – Betty Cuthbert (Source: Australian Biography 2016)

A brief profile of Betty Cuthbert (1938–) provides an insight into her legacy:

Elizabeth (“Betty”) Cuthbert AM, MBE (born Merrylands, was an Australian athlete, and a fourfold Olympic champion. Cuthbert had a distinctive running style, with a high knee lift and mouth wide open. (Source Wikipedia 2015)