Campbelltown is on the cusp of an extraordinary transformation from a large town to a major city.
If this growth can be successfully achieved it could potentially result in major economic and social dividends for Campbelltown, Western Sydney and global Sydney.
But a local MP has warned that to be successful, the transformation of Campbelltown into a major city will require the State Government to support and work with Campbelltown Council.
Speaking in the NSW Parliament yesterday, the State Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said his home town enjoyed a strategic location that gave it close proximity to other major metropolitan centres, hubs, and markets.
He said that If Campbelltown’s growth was “planned, managed and resourced appropriately it could deliver extraordinary economic and social dividends’’.
Mr Warren said plans to add 200,000 more residents in and around Campbelltown in the next 15 years was a case of “opportunity to succeed meets the challenge for great collaboration’’.
“Challenges must be addressed now if we are to capitalise on the opportunity that is Campbelltown City,’’ Mr Warren told parliament.
Campbelltown was ready and willing to realise its potential and become one of Sydney’s vibrant economic, cultural and lifestyle hubs, he said.
And it has what it takes to become a great urban hub, Mr Warren said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Campbelltown, which is endowed by the spirit of the Dharawal and surrounded by green space and the iconic Scenic Hills, offers assets which are real drivers for future growth and prosperity,’’ he said.[/social_quote]
♦ These assets include:
· Western Sydney University and the School of Medicine and its recently completed clinical school for 200 doctors;
· Campbelltown Sports Stadium which is planned to be the focus of a new regional sport and entertainment hub;
· The fifth largest regional shopping centre in NSW at Macarthur Square which has just recently opened the doors on a major expansion valued at $240 million and creating more than 1000 new additional jobs;
· The internationally renowned Campbelltown Arts Centre which has developed a reputation for leading edge cultural development and exhibitions;
· A strong industrial sector and established advanced manufacturing cluster that are refocusing on international market opportunities
“And there are more exciting opportunities on the way that can drive further city enhancements, more growth and investment, enterprise and job creation,’’ Mr Warren said.
He listed:
· Campbelltown Council’s $26 million Macarthur Sports and Health Centre for Excellence
· The Ingham’s Medical Research Institute on the Campbelltown public hospital campus
· Council’s proposed Macarthur Health and Education precinct.
“Campbelltown is building a strong momentum for growth and change,’’ Mr Warren said.
“This local readiness and enthusiasm must be supported by government and its agencies.
“There are a number of key areas where assistance from government would be productive and help deliver on the vision for Campbelltown Regional City.
“The highest priority rests with the need to ensure that Campbelltown is connected through direct, efficient and convenient public transport and road infrastructure to:
· The regional communities it serves (Greater Macarthur and South West Growth Centre);
· The new Western Sydney Airport and enterprise corridor;
· The other Western Sydney strategic centres at Penrith, Blacktown, and Liverpool.
“Perhaps most importantly, Campbelltown must be recognised by government through committed and effective collaboration with Campbelltown City Council over planning, managing and resourcing its successful future.’’
Mr Warren said it was also imperative Campbelltown Council showed leadership, especially in setting out priorities for growth.
“It is paramount that council sets the priority and the agenda for Campbelltown’s avenue of prosperity,’’ Mr Warren said.
“It is equally vital to establish and sustain a collaborated approach with stakeholders as well as the support of government.
“The absence of any of these key fundamentals will result in missed opportunity,’’ Mr Warren told parliament.
“I commend the opportunity that is Campbelltown City, for the government’s serious attention and as the basis for strong collaboration with the council.’’
