NSW has been in a holding pattern because big policy and leadership has steadily deteriorated. There has been little interest in long-term planning, no vision or investment in our future, and no action that would step on the toes of vested interests, or anger the shock jocks.

Our state is lagging in effective action on global warming, there has been a lack of decisiveness on land-use planning, and a backlog of vital infrastructure needed for Sydney's effective functioning and competitiveness. It is time for leadership, vision and long-term planning.

It is important to give people who live close to the city options for shorter trips.

''Vision'' has become one of those weasel words that the writer Don Watson damns so thoroughly. It has been reduced to the depth and complexity of a cereal packet blurb: ''Our vision for your breakfast . . .''

But it is time we reclaimed the meaning of vision - as responsiveness, foresight, imagination, courage and action - and put it to work for our city, our state and our society.