Almost 300 people representing every corner of the Macarthur region turned up at the crack of dawn to hear Chris Minns speak at Club Menangle at the famous Narellan business chamber annual premier’s breakfast.
And the freshly minted NSW Premier did not disappoint, delivering a speech that was so devoid of spin it was almost brutal.
Mr Minns didn’t gild the lily in any shape of form regarding the challenges facing the state, and you could sense in the room that his honesty was being both refreshing and much appreciated.
They would have also been pleased to hear that he was fully aware that historically South Western Sydney has not been getting its fair share of infrastructure allocation – and he intends to do something about it.
“I am committed to a South Western Sydney turnaround on infrastructure,’’ Mr Minns said.
“Macarthur has a growing population and desperately needs the infrastructure to keep pace with that growth in population.
“Not a day goes by when a colleague doesn’t demand a new school, or some other infrastructure for this area, and that’s as it should be.’’
Mr Minns said he was also aware of the need for new high schools here, especially in Appin and Menangle, where huge residential developments are on the way.
He also revealed that a business case was being prepared for a rail connection between the new Western Sydney International airport at Badgerys Creek and Macarthur.
Mr Minns said he had recently sat down with some of the local mayors in South West Sydney, including Campbelltown’s George Greiss, to discuss the needs of their areas.
“There’s no doubt infrastructure isn’t keeping up with the current growth, let alone the projected growth ahead.’’
The Premier said the state’s challenges included a mammoth debt $187 billion, increasingly unaffordable housing – and an average of 120 days to approve development applications.
“It’s a big concern that young families and young people are moving out of NSW,’’ he said.
“It’s robbing NSW of its future, its best and brightest up and leaving because it’s too expensive to live and work here.
“It’s an absolute priority to get housing right.
It’s a big challenge, but if we get housing right, the sky’s the limit in NSW.’’
I totally agree with the Editor’s comments, with regard to the content of the Premier’s address.
Blunt, to the point with regard to the State’s current financial situation, B$187 in debt, paying a astounding B$7 in interest annually, equating to an astounding $22,000 per person.
The need for more local infrastructure, to catchup with local development demands.
All preparing us for what looks like a really, really tough next budget!