Plans for a game changing justice and community precinct in Campbelltown have taken a giant leap forward with a green light for a $1 million feasibility study.
The Australian Government, the NSW Government and Campbelltown City Council have joined forces to progress the project.
If it goes ahead, the precinct could house NSW and federal courts as well as co-located community services that would deliver jobs and access to justice for South Western Sydney.
Campbelltown Mayor George Brticevic says the proposed Community and Justice Precinct has the potential to transform Campbelltown CBD.
“This precinct could be the catalyst for a vast array of new jobs, businesses and opportunities for locals,’’ he said today.
“It also lends itself to the opportunity to house a university in our CBD, which has been identified as a priority for the ongoing revitalisation of our city centre.
“An expanded precinct could grow the existing local legal ecosystem, creating opportunities for businesses to expand, and crucially bring higher order jobs for our community.’’
The proposed precinct site a short walk from the train station and is located between Campbelltown Council administration building in Queen Street and the Campbelltown courts.
NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the proposal would help streamline services in South Western Sydney to the benefit of local residents.
“The people of South Western Sydney face significant stress and cost at an already tumultuous time in their lives by having to travel to Parramatta or Sydney CBD to access court services,” Mr Speakman said.
One of the main areas of concern is local residents having to travel to Parramatta for Family Court proceedings.
“This initiative has the potential to expand Campbelltown Courthouse to include additional Local, District and Children’s Court facilities,’’ he said.
“As well as creating faster access to justice, this proposed precinct could improve efficiency by co-locating justice services and possible community services.”
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the strategic business case will examine how Campbelltown could benefit from a new economic base focused on justice, and community service professions.
“A Community and Justice Precinct could provide a new professional industry to Campbelltown, delivering jobs, education opportunities, and new services for residents, boosting the local economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“Population growth in the Macarthur region is creating the demand for the new court facilities to accommodate the needs of the community it serves. The region also has the skilled workforce to fill newly created local jobs.”
