Sydney’s most influential reveal the big-ticket projects they’d build if money were no object
As part of The Daily Telegraph’s Power 100, we asked some of Sydney’s most influential leaders what the city is missing, and what they’d build if handed an unlimited budget.
As The Daily Telegraph unveils this year’s Power 100 list, charting the individuals shaping Sydney’s future, one question loomed large: if money were no object, what is the one thing Sydney desperately needs?
The Daily Telegraph’s Power 100
Monday: See who made the list from 100 to 76
Tuesday: The next 25 is revealed
Wednesday: The top 50 of the Power 100 is revealed
The Daily Telegraph’s 52-page Power 100 magazine out Wednesday
From transport links and stadiums to housing reform, civic renewal and spiritual nourishment, Sydney’s most influential figures offered bold, big-picture ideas for how to transform the city.
Public transport, particularly for Western Sydney, topped several wish lists.
Premier Chris Minns said he would simply “build more”, backing new connections and different modes of public transport.
“We’d just tip as much (money) as we could in,” he said.
Sport and entertainment were also front of mind.
Foxtel boss Patrick Delany championed the idea of more boutique stadiums, saying Sydney deserved a network of 25,000-seat venues that could double as local entertainment hubs.
“In NSW the dominant sport is rugby league, and rugby league is best watched up close,” he said.
“Smaller stadiums could anchor town squares and vibrant precincts … it would be a meaningful investment.”
Retail titan Katie Page, CEO of Harvey Norman, said Sydney should finally commit to transforming the corridor between the CBD and Parramatta.
“There was a phenomenal piece of work done on Parramatta Road six to eight years ago, parks, liveability, housing,” she said.
“If money is no object, let’s take it right through to Parramatta CBD, our second CBD.”
Sky News boss Paul Whittaker looked back a century for inspiration, calling for the revival of engineer Dr John Bradfield’s original, ambitious vision for a vast underground rail network “without the compromises history forced upon it”.
Billionaire Ahoy Club owner Ian Malouf offered one of the most eye-catching ideas, bringing the Formula One to Sydney.
“I would bring the Formula One to race across the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” he said.
“It would become the best circuit in the world.”
Western Sydney emerged as a recurring priority.
Walker Corporation CEO David Gallant said investment belonged where the population was booming.
“More schools, universities, hospitals and public transport … close to where people want to live,” he said.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott urged major action on affordable housing, saying Sydney must embrace higher-density living to ensure future generations can share in the city’s opportunities.
Western Sydney University Chancellor Jennifer Westacott called for high-speed rail from the CBD to the new airport, Campbelltown and Canberra, a project she said would “transform Sydney” and trigger a new era of prosperity.
Her colleague, WSU Vice-Chancellor George Williams, called for properly funded public schools, citing critical teacher shortages and deteriorating facilities.
Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher looked beyond infrastructure to something deeper, feeding the city’s “spiritual hunger” and renewing its focus on meaning, ideals and genuine happiness.
And medical researcher and Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer said he would expand access to world-class healthcare.
“All Australians should be able to benefit from breakthroughs in cancer care and healthcare,” he said.
Together, their visions sketch a Sydney that is bigger, bolder, better connected and more ambitious than ever.
Do you know more? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
Originally published as Sydney’s most influential reveal the big-ticket projects they’d build if money were no object
Dad’s heartbreaking vigil for missing schoolies teen
