Sydney: A delegation from the Riyadh Municipality conducted a fact-finding visit to Sydney, Australia, as part of a specialized program aimed at exploring international experiences in integrated urban planning, population growth management, infrastructure development, and sustainability enhancement. The program seeks to support the development of municipal policies and practices in Riyadh.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the visit commenced with a review of Liverpool City Council's experience, one of the fastest-growing areas in Western Sydney. The delegation was briefed on the city's long-term strategic planning framework, approaches to managing rapid urban expansion, linking planning with land use, diversifying the economic base, and strengthening Liverpool's role as a logistics hub connected to Western Sydney International Airport.
The delegation also examined urban performance indicators and a planning model focused on education, innovation, healthcare, and logistics, alongside efforts to develop green, connected urban environments. Particular emphasis was placed on affordable housing, quality of life, and neighborhood sustainability. The visit included a tour of the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct, where the delegation learned about the role of major logistics infrastructure in reshaping urban development patterns, shifting freight movement from roads to rail, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing integration with industrial zones, the airport, and the aerotropolis.
As part of the focus on strategic infrastructure, the delegation visited Western Sydney International Airport, where it reviewed the airport's development model as a key economic driver, mechanisms for integrating urban planning with transport networks, phased project expansion, the use of highly efficient digital operating systems, and environmental sustainability practices.
The program also included a visit to Bradfield and its advanced manufacturing facilities, highlighting the experience of building a new city from the ground up through the integration of industry, research, and innovation, skills development, and the attraction of investment in advanced sectors.
In addition, the delegation reviewed residential projects based on the build-to-rent model, as well as waste management and circular economy systems, including sorting and recycling mechanisms and initiatives to convert waste into reusable products. At the conclusion of the visit, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Sydney received the delegation from the Riyadh Municipality at the Consul General's residence, as part of strengthening institutional communication and affirming the mission's support for the municipality's external programs and the exchange of international expertise.