Sydney's councils will be asked to select six representatives for the state government's new strategic planning agency – but mayors need not apply.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes has unveiled the structure of the long-awaited Greater Sydney Commission, which will be tasked with developing and overseeing the city's housing and jobs targets, as well as having a say in infrastructure planning.

NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes has outlined the details of a strategic model that seeks to depoliticise planning decisions. Credit:Jessica Hromas

The commission is also to be given the power to regularly review major council planning controls, known as local environmental plans, and to act as the decision maker for rezoning proposals currently determined by the minister.

It will divide Sydney's into six districts: north, central, south, south-west, west and west central; and comprise 13 appointees, including the heads of Treasury, transport and planning.