The Greater Sydney Commission will take responsibility for implementing the metropolitan strategy and local district plans. It is designed to cope with the massive demands of accommodating the population growth imposed by the Australian Government.

The structure of the Greater Sydney Commission will include a chair appointed by the Minister for Planning; independent environment, economic and social commissioners; six district commissioners nominated by councils and three government heads from planning, transport and treasury.

In the view of the Better Planning Network the structure reinforces government decisions, with key planning decisions made outside the democratic process. The announcement also appears to align with the government’s proposed council amalgamation agenda.