City profile

Sydney, the largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales, is recognized for its strong economy and vibrant culture. Generating approximately $93 billion annually, Sydney constitutes over 5% of the national economy and is seen as Australia's economic powerhouse​. Sydney is also a leading destination for international tourists, famed for its iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Key activities in Sydney include financial services, tourism, and professional services.

Sydney has ranked Best in Class overall with excellent rankings in Investor Attractiveness, Assets and Infrastructure, and Urban Management and Governance.

The metropolis not only thrives as a centre for commerce and innovation but also leads in environmental stewardship. Sydney's digital infrastructure, supported by New South Wales’ significant investments in smart city technologies, also enhances its urban efficiency and connectivity.

Despite its robust infrastructure and governance, Sydney has encountered challenges to its Liveability and Loveability, primarily due to the high cost of living, with real estate prices among the highest globally. However, the city has implemented planning reforms to increase the availability of affordable housing  and invested heavily in public transport to bolster accessibility.

Insight

Sydney performs fairly well in the Index with a well-established governance framework, sustainability actions and water resource management. However, rapid growth and climate change pose significant challenges that require ongoing focus especially on water security. Arup has explored the urban water future in collaboration with Sydney Water to come up with future scenarios to help us better understand possible pathways into the future and enable conversations about how we can influence and shape the direction we are travelling in. Arup is at the forefront of providing sustainable and resilient water solutions for cities worldwide.‍
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