SYDNEY - An ambitious long-term strategy to transform Sydney into three separate but interconnected cities was launched on Sunday, with the goal of creating communities that are within 30 minutes of services and job opportunities.

Drafted by the New South Wales government's transport and planning departments, along with the Greater Sydney Commission, the Future Transport 2056 strategy is actually based on an old concept.

Long before British settlers arrived in Australia, Aboriginal people thought of Sydney as three different areas.

The eastern side of the harbor was known as the salt water region, the area now called Parramatta was recognized by its muddy waters and the far west was known for its clear waters.

"Reshaping Greater Sydney as a metropolis of three cities - Eastern, Central and Western - will rebalance it, fostering jobs, improving housing affordability, easing congestion and enhancing our enviable natural environment across the entire region," GSC Chief Commissioner Lucy Turnbull said in a statement.

"This is particularly exciting for Sydney's west, with an entirely new city to emerge west of the M7 motorway, where the new Western Sydney Airport and the surrounding aerotropolis will support tens of thousands of jobs."

The plan will also focus on transforming the furthest outer edge suburbs of Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown into thriving university towns with bustling business districts, which means "even greater opportunity for young people", Turnbull said.

With Sydney's population expected to double and surpass 8 million within the next 40 years, transport and infrastructure planning remain key to the city's success.

NSW Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts said: "We need these plans to ensure we deliver the housing, jobs, transport services, schools and medical facilities Sydneysiders will need."

Xinhua