Planning Marrickville, Greater Sydney

Abstract

The chapter addresses the extent Marrickville Council (herein referred to as Marrickville) 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 Marrickville with Leichhardt and Ashfield councils noted in Chap. 2). Marrickville (in Sydney Inner West 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 Marrickville development and population changes (e.g. global movement of population) is outlined. To examine the pattern of urban development, four phases of Marrickville development are examined: Early Marrickville; Traditional Marrickville; New Marrickville; and, Future Marrickville. Given conclusions reached here, key Marrickville Council planning documents are then critiqued to determine the extent Council applies SUP practices. In addition, given State planning of Greater Sydney affects Marrickville, a second question is posed: what is the impact of Greater Sydney planning and development on Marrickville? In examining this question, examples of State plans (including State council amalgamations) likely to impact on Marrickville are addressed. By chapter’s end, conclusions are drawn on Council planning and Greater Sydney planning affecting Marrickville. The chapter notes that these conclusions will be addressed further in: Chap. 9 (examining the extent of SUP practices being applied over the whole of Sydney Inner West District); and, Chap. 18 (examining directions for planning a sustainable Greater Sydney or a sustainable city anywhere).

Plate 3.1

Mary Reibey

A snippet on Mary Reibey reveals her legacy:

Mary Reibey (1777–1855) was an Englishwoman who was transported to Australia as a convict, but went on to become a successful businesswoman in Sydney. An enterprising and determined person of strong personality, during her lifetime Mary Reibey earned a reputation as an astute and successful businesswoman in the colony of New South Wales.