Public transport, green spaces and jobs high on agenda for Liverpool’s future

With its population set to grow by 60 per cent by 2036, Liverpool residents have named their top priorities. They include fast public transport, green spaces and local jobs.

Locals shopping on Macquarie St in Liverpool. Picture: Carmela Roche

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Fast public transport, green spaces and jobs close to home are among the top priorities for residents of Liverpool, with the council mapping out a vision for the city for the next 30 years.

Liverpool Council has developed its draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, titled Connected Liverpool 2050, which draws on the results of a recent community survey, as well as feedback from forums and workshops.

More than 800 people contributed their thoughts on the future of Liverpool via the survey, the results of which revealed some clear themes.

An aerial view of Liverpool City. Picture: Toby Zerna

When it came to transport priorities, an overwhelming majority of respondents identified fast public transport as a top priority, followed by reducing neighbourhood congestion, provision of sufficient parking and frequent public transport.

Within the sustainability category, residents said a major priority for the future was to ensure there were plenty of trees and canopy cover throughout the region.

They also said it was important to have access to nature and waterways.

Liveability priorities included access to park and recreation options, walkable neighbourhoods and retaining the character of suburbs.

Fast and frequent public transport is a key priority. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Green spaces and access to nature were also named as top priorities.

For many, local jobs was an important factor, topping the list of productivity priorities, which also included high-paying skilled jobs and neighbourhood businesses catering to the daily needs of the community.

Liverpool’s population is expected to increase by about 60 per cent between now and 2036.

Connected Liverpool 2050 contains 16 major priorities for Liverpool Council over the next three decades and is currently on public exhibition.

Submissions will be accepted until August 9.

“We know Liverpool residents are passionate about their city,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“Now we’re asking residents to tell us whether we have got it right. Connected Liverpool 2050 will chart Liverpool’s path to the future, and we want the community to help guide it on the way.”

See the plans and make a submission here.