Planning Strathfield, Greater Sydney

Abstract

The chapter addresses the extent Strathfield Council (herein referred to as Strathfield) 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 Strathfield with Burwood and Canada Bay councils noted in Chap. 2). Strathfield (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 Strathfield development and population changes (e.g. global movement of population) is outlined. To examine the pattern of urban development, four phases of Strathfield development are examined: Early Strathfield; Traditional Strathfield; New Strathfield; and, Strathfield Burwood. Given conclusions reached here, key Strathfield Council planning documents are then critiqued to determine the extent Council applies SUP practices. In addition, given State planning of Greater Sydney affects Strathfield, a second question is posed: what is the impact of Greater Sydney planning and development on Strathfield? In examining this question, examples of State plans (including council amalgamations under the Proclamation noted above) likely to affect Strathfield are addressed. By chapter’s end, conclusions are drawn on Council planning and impact of Greater Sydney planning on Strathfield. 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 7.1

Miriam Hyde

A snippet on Miriam Hyde gives an insight into her life:

Miriam’s special awards included the OBE (1981), AO (1991), International Woman of the Year (1991–92) for service to music, bestowed by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge. Miriam played at times with the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra. A gracious compliment was paid her by Macquarie University in the form of an Honorary Doctorate.