Strategic documents and masterplans could play a key role in any future state government economic recovery support package for the region.
Liverpool Council plans to provide this information to the NSW Treasury.
The initiative comes in the wake of a meeting between council’s leaders and NSW treasurer Dominic Perrottet.
Mayor of Liverpool Wendy Waller and council CEO Dr Eddie Jackson discussed with the treasurer the delivery of an economic package to support the post-pandemic recovery of South Western Sydney.
It was pointed out that the tougher restrictions imposed would make the road to recovery longer in the region.
“It was a difficult conversation with the NSW Treasurer given how much South Western and Western Sydney have suffered during this time,” Cr Waller said.
“However, the conversation was also positive and practical as we shifted the dial from problem to solution.
“We each brought ideas to the table to create further investment opportunities to aid recovery in these regions crucial to the statewide economy.
“We are one of the fastest growing regions and the food bowl for Greater Sydney. Without a strong business centre in the South West and West, it’s everybody’s loss.”
A recent council survey of almost 1,500 Liverpool businesses found one in five were in hibernation – closed for the moment, though intending to reopen.
While only a slight proportion of businesses contacted (1.53 per cent) said they were closed for good, many small business owners have anecdotally relayed the hardship they have faced waiting for government financial support.
The online meeting with Mr Perrottet followed one with NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and the mayors of Liverpool, Fairfield, Campbelltown and Canterbury-Bankstown.
Curfews applying to these local government areas and eight others were lifted by the premier yesterday.
