Up to 1,000 people each week seek to make somewhere in Greater Sydney their new home.

We are frequently reminded of the environmental pressures that Sydney's growing population is both creating and reinforcing. We also know that this global city powers the national economy and delivers major economic benefits to key sections of the population.

We want to ensure that the Sydney of this new century can deliver an adequate level of well being to all its citizens, and, in doing so, reduce, not exacerbate the current socio-economic and cultural inequalities and disadvantages which are all too apparent.

What do we have to achieve if we are to succeed in sustainable social outcomes for the Sydney of the Future? How do we most effectively tackle the key elements of a social sustainability agenda - outcomes such as:

• well distributed and high quality employment opportunities;
• well distributed and effective public transport;
• well distributed and adequate levels of genuine affordable housing;
• high quality, accessible and affordable health, education and community services and utilities; and
• strong and diverse local communities.

This conference will provide a timely vehicle to throw the spotlight on these major challenges.

As the NSW Government moves towards finalising its new strategy to guide the development of Greater Sydney, Shelter NSW and the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) believe that it is critical such a new strategy really addresses these social outcomes at its core.

Participating in this informative and challenging conference will help us all achieve a better result for community well being across Greater Sydney.