Which seems like a good idea.

The problem is that the prime minister has the problem and the solution around the wrong way, at least as far as NSW is concerned. As incredible as it might seem, the plan for Sydney's growth, The Metropolitan Planning Strategy, is equal to any in the world in setting out the directions for a city over the next 25 years. The Metro Strategy was released in 2005 after many years of detailed preparation and consultation. The Metro Strategy imagines that Sydney will evolve into a ``city of cities'' with the CBD and North Sydney setting the pace, complemented by strong, independent regional cities at Parramatta, Penrith and Liverpool, and by its neighbours at Gosford, Newcastle and Wollongong. These centres are to become the focal points for work, shopping and recreation so that Sydneysiders can live their lives productively within a 30-minute travel radius.

The Metro Strategy sets out the details for assembling a city of cities. It designates the areas for higher density residential growth. It nominates two major developments for greenfields development: the North West and South West Growth Centres. It sets targets for employment growth in the suburbs so that commuting times can be reduced. And it lays out the infrastructure requirements so the bits of the urban jig-saw puzzle fit together in a sustainable, efficient manner.

Mr Rudd can read this excellent plan at www.metrostrategy.nsw.gov.au

So , there is a plan, and it is a good plan. Why the paralysis in Sydney then?

First - and this is something Mr Rudd can do something about - Sydney needs money to build the infrastructure to make its planning dreams come true. Irrespective of one's political opinion of the quality of government in NSW, all parties agree that this state isn't getting its fair share of the national cake. Bashing the NSW government is popular sport, but the federal government's best contribution is to do what it does best: deal out the cash, back good projects, support good planning with good spending.