Time to bust the myth about Western Sydney

Western Sydney isn’t one place, it’s a region made up of many local government areas, home to millions of people and incredible diversity. Yet, it’s often spoken about as if it has a single voice and a shared vision. While the rise in regional advocacy is encouraging, meaningful progress will only come when every community is heard and empowered to shape its own future. In this opinion piece, Dr George Greiss* argues that oversimplifying Western Sydney risks overlooking real challenges and pushing local priorities to the margins.

Western Sydney’s boundaries vary depending on the context and the organisation defining them. In last year’s NSW Budget, Western Sydney was defined as comprising 13 local government areas and 2.73 million residents, an astonishing third of the state’s population. That’s more than the combined population of Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, and Canberra. I am looking forward to seeing how this year’s budget looks at it.

With growth rates outpacing those four capital cities, it’s difficult to imagine a single growth strategy serving all of Western Sydney equally. Yet, we continue to speak of “Western Sydney” as though it is one place, with one voice and one need, rather than a region defined by immense diversity, complexity, and, most importantly, competing priorities.

Assuming that any single leader, agency, or initiative can speak on behalf of the entire region is not only simplistic but also risks deepening the inequalities that already exist. Yet the debate over who truly represents Western Sydney, and which organisations are most effective in advocating for its future, remains ongoing.

News articles frequently feature commentary from high-profile individuals, hoping to shape public narratives and influence policy outcomes. This level of active advocacy is, in many ways, encouraging. It reflects the growing recognition of Western Sydney’s strategic importance. I know many, if not all, of the individuals and organisations active in this space and had the opportunity to work with most of them during my time as Mayor.

Regional collaboration is essential. I have no doubt that Campbelltown Council continues to play a key role in many of the established advocacy networks, as it should. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats. However, I’m also certain that some of Campbelltown’s key issues, like those of many other communities, are often sidelined in broader regional discussions. This isn’t a failure of the advocacy groups themselves, but rather a reflection of the sheer scale and complexity of the challenges we face.

Some argue that advocacy groups have “filled a vacuum” because elected representatives haven’t historically spoken up for Western Sydney. I respectfully disagree. In my view, the rise of advocacy groups reflects a logical alignment of priorities and interests, not a failure of democratic representation. After all, in a democracy, election outcomes remain the most meaningful test of public confidence and many of Western Sydney’s representatives have been consistently returned by their communities.

While a rising tide lifts all boats, it’s only when every vessel has the chance to stay afloat and steer its own course, that we achieve truly inclusive progress. It’s time to revisit our priorities. Not just the major, headline-grabbing projects, but the everyday issues that affect our lives most.

A stronger Western Sydney will not emerge from a single voice or a singular vision. It will be built by listening to each other, respecting difference, and allowing every part of this diverse region to shape its own future.

*Dr George Greiss is the former Mayor of Campbelltown, with over 16 years of experience in local government leadership. He holds a PhD in Urban Planning and a Master of Property Development. George is now the Director of BGA Planning Strategies, an urban planning and local government consultancy advising on development, land use, housing policy, and undertaking independent urban research across NSW. A passionate advocate for place-based planning and community-led development, he remains committed to shaping better urban outcomes through local engagement and evidence-based policy.