A Western Sydney leader says that as the region prepares to do some heavy lifting on population growth the time has come to have an honest debate about the issue.
Mr Christopher Brown, the chairman of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue (WSLD), said that Infrastructure Australia’s Future Cities report, released last week, highlighted the need for discussion on how we manage rapid growth.
“The report’s modelling confirms that around 60 per cent of Sydney’s population growth and 50 per cent of its new jobs over the next 30 years will occur in Western Sydney,’’ he said.
“So, like it or not, we need to understand how to best prepare for this growth.
“While it’s important to ensure that infrastructure investment, particularly rail, keeps pace with this growth, we also feel it is time to have an honest, and respectful, discussion on Australia’s population policies, particularly as Western Sydney is expected to do the majority of heavy lifting in coming decades,’’ Mr Brown said.
“The Western Sydney City Deal, to be launched very soon, should lay out a blueprint for future city building and regional governance, matching transport and land use, and tabling real money.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The role of the Commonwealth needs to be permanent, codified and insulated from partisan politics, and federal funding of major projects are required to support the growth of Western Sydney.[/social_quote]
“Canberra cannot just be a rural development agency but nor can state and local governments treat it as an ATM.
“We need a genuine partnership model that brings together three levels of government and also finds an appropriate role for the private sector in planning, funding and delivering projects,” Mr Brown said.
Sydney’s growth debate will be a major focus at the WSLD annual Out There Summit on May 9.
A stellar line up of speakers has been confirmed for the 2018 Out There Summit, where the population debate, governance, health and education, along with arts, sport and culture, will feature.
Speakers will include Dick Smith, NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes, Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres, Opposition Leader Luke Foley, GSC boss, Sarah Hill, “westie’’ legends, Bryan Brown and Mark Geyer.
The program and tickets will be available from today, March 1, at www.westernsydney.org.au
I t will be interesting to see if anyone has any ideas about providing a proper public transport system for the South West where a large part of the residential development is planned. Unless the Feds come good with funds for rail to Camden in conjunction with the rail to The new airport the jobs there will mean two hours plus per day sitting in cars so most jobs will be in the CBD