The Baird government is establishing the Greater Sydney Commission to bring a city-wide approach to planning in Sydney. The Commission will be responsible for district planning, and will take over the decision-making and rezoning decisions currently undertaken by the minister.

Lucy Turnbull is a natural fit for the role. She chairs the Committee for Sydney lobby group, and between 2003 and 2004 was the first female Lord Mayor of The City of Sydney. Her book 'Sydney: Biography of a City' was published in 1999. 

Turnbull has given a lot of thought over the years to urban planning, and the planning of Sydney in particular. She has spoken about designing cities to be female friendly, and therefore more inclusive and functional for everyone. She has also spoken about the importance of housing affordability, and making Sydney a 'city of cities' by developing linked urban hubs.

Turnbull's husband, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, was the first Prime Minister to appoint a Minister for Cities, and the couple have raised the profile of debate about urban planning in Australia.

Turnbull's new job is said not to be in conflict with her husband's. It involves only decisions between councils and advice for state government, and does not involve lobbying for federal funds. Turnbull has also been quoted as saying, "I'm a woman in 2015. I can make my own mind up."

In addition to Turnbull's appointment, Heather Nesbitt was appointed Social Commissioner, Rod Simpson was made Environment Commissioner, and Geoff Roberts has been named Economic Commissioner of the new body. The Commission will also have appointments from the state government and local councils.