In 1978, greater Sydney's population was 2.5 million people. Today, it's 4.5 million. In 35 years, it will be 8 million. The decisions we make today will determine the kind of city we have then. We are at a tipping point. Either Sydney will become even more congested and less affordable, or we will transform the way our city works for us.

The city's infrastructure is 40 to 50 years old and operating beyond its planned capacity. We do not have the governance arrangements or leadership in place to help us agree on a vision for the long-term future of our city. As a result, changes are piecemeal, short term and reinforce past patterns. Our cities are on the edge of failing.

We have two options: continue as before, patch up the existing infrastructure to and continue to sprawl in a vain attempt to address housing supply and affordability, or set up the right governance structures, provide strong leadership, set a new vision and start a new investment strategy in partnership with all levels of government and industry.

Here are six things we should do now for a workable city: