Eight precincts have been earmarked for high-rise apartment blocks up to 30 storeys tall and increased commercial development as part of a state government plan to boost high-density housing and employment in Sydney.

Fairfax Media has identified the initial eight "urban activation precincts" – where development is to be intensified near transport hubs – due to be unveiled by the Premier Barry O'Farrell and Planning Minister Brad Hazzard on Saturday.

Parts of North Ryde, Macquarie Park, Epping, Wentworth Point, Homebush, Mascot, Randwick and near Anzac Parade from Maroubra to Phillip Bay are facing a raft of zoning and development control changes encompassing hundreds of homes and businesses, as well as government-owned or council land.

Mr Hazzard, said the precincts were in areas where people wanted to live that had good access to jobs and infrastructure.