Western Sydney City Deal setting the foundations for a connected, sustainable city

Progress on the $11 billion Western Sydney City Deal has continued to reach significant milestones, with the program helping to generate local jobs and deliver critical infrastructure that will enhance the sustainability and liveability of the region.

The 2021 Western Sydney City Deal Annual Report released today highlights the achievements to date under the 20-year program – a joint undertaking of the Commonwealth Government, New South Wales Government and eight local governments to improve the prosperity, sustainability and liveability of Western Sydney.

Highlights in the third year of the City Deal include:

• Early works construction commenced on the new $11 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line;
• Development of a new training model with TAFE for advanced industries in the Aerotropolis;
• Preparation of a five-year digital action plan which will see the Western Parkland City become Australia’s first digitally enabled smart city;
• Delivery of the first community infrastructure projects funded under the $210 million Western Parkland City Liveability Program;
• Finalising the best practice engineering design standards for housing, which simplify the development application process and reduce costs to homebuyers; and
• The completion of a strategic business case for the South West Sydney Community and Justice Precinct.

The Western Sydney City Deal Annual Report 2020-2021 is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/western-sydney/.

For more information on the Western Sydney City Deal, visit www.wscd.sydney.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:

“The Western Sydney City Deal is an $11 billion commitment from all levels of government to deliver vital community infrastructure and enhance liveability through the vision of the Western Parkland City, which will help to generate 200,000 new jobs.

“Three years into the 20-year deal and already significant process has been made towards realising the vision of Western Sydney being a highly connected, sustainable and liveable region for generations to come.

“These achievements build on the Morrison Government’s $5.3 billion investment in the Western Sydney International Airport, which will be a driver for economic activity and growth in the region.”

Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, the Hon Stuart Ayres MP:

“The City Deal is investing in skills and education opportunities so the next generation in Western Sydney will lead Australia in advanced industries.

“The City Deal puts the population of Western Sydney first and places the community at the heart of decision making. By putting people first, the Western Parkland City will continue to thrive and be a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Cr Mark Greenhill, Mayor of Blue Mountains:

“The first two of our Liveability Projects in the Blue Mountains were completed in 2020-21 and we are excited to see the start of construction on another eight projects in 2021-22.

“Overall, these projects will make it easier for our residents and visitors to access town centres, parks, playgrounds, pools and bushland. They will help create more liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods.”

Cr Therese Fedeli, Mayor of Camden:

“This year has been particularly challenging, as communities all over the world have had to adapt to ever-changing environments and conditions because of COVID-19.

“Despite this, as we look back on another year of working together as part of the Western Sydney City Deal, I am proud of what we have achieved.

“It’s been fantastic to work with our fellow Western Sydney local councils, along with the NSW and Australian governments, to make our region the best it can be – now and for the future. We want to be the city of the future and we’re working together to make that happen.

“With its booming population, particularly in the heart of the South West Growth Centre, this region is the powerhouse of Sydney and Australia. This growth will see us create local employment opportunities, improve roads and public transport links, facilitate game-changing infrastructure, attract businesses and visitors, and so much more.”

Cr George Brticevic, Mayor of Campbelltown:

“Collaboration across three levels of government under the City Deal is leading to better outcomes for our community as work progresses on the new Western Sydney Airport.

“There’s a buzz of excitement within our community as development continues on the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, a facility that will create an iconic one-of-a-kind destination in the heart of our city.

“We welcomed the opportunity to jointly participate in the strategic business case for a Community and Justice precinct in Campbelltown, which has the potential to be a game changer for the local economy.

“Combined with projects such as the planned completion of the new National Herbarium of NSW at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, it highlights the opportunity in our city to grow a diverse and highly skilled local jobs market.

“We are keen to see future progress on a north-south rail link to ensure our city is able to access the full potential of the airport and welcome initiatives such as the Opportunity Hub, which have supported local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leavers to refine their skills and enter the workforce.”

Cr Frank Carbone, Mayor Fairfield:

“The City Deal partnership has meant we’ve been able to fast track the completion of the Fairfield Showground redevelopment, with the funding going towards the construction of the multi-purpose amenities building and the Deerbush Park all-abilities playground.

“This is a great outcome for our community and a great example of how different levels of government can work together in partnership to improve people’s quality of life, facilities and create better opportunities for the future.”

Cr Patrick Conolly, Mayor of Hawkesbury:

“We are looking forward to starting the works to revitalise our town centres. Through the planning phase we have created better connections with our community and local businesses. This has helped us as we build community resilience and recovery from floods, bushfires and the ongoing pandemic.

“We know that creating vibrant town centres will help us create great places for people to visit, spend time and explore our heritage trails. As Mayor, I have been proud to be part of a process that sees all three levels of government working together and to be able to advocate for the Hawkesbury.”

Cr Wendy Waller, Mayor of Liverpool:

“Working with the Mayors and councils of the Western Parkland City has been a wonderful example of collaboration for the future of our community.

“Liverpool is excited to deliver projects under the Liveability Program and continues to work with the Yarpa NSW Indigenous Business and Employment Hub and Liverpool Opportunity Hub, as they provide valuable support to our First Nations community.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to work with the NSW and Australian governments to create a connected and liveable city.”

Cr Karen McKeown OAM, Mayor of Penrith:

"Penrith City Council has had a productive year working with our NSW and Australian government partners to progress the Regatta Park upgrade and celebrate significant milestones in the project, including the release of the final designs and the start of the first stage of construction.

“This city-shaping project has been a long-held vision of Council and our community, and it's exciting to now see the project coming to life. 

“We are looking forward to the year ahead and continuing to work towards the delivery of Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport, another city-shaping project which will transform our region by connecting Penrith to the new airport, creating a diverse range of employment opportunities for residents and attracting investment into the St Marys and Penrith City Centres."

Cr Robert Khan, Mayor of Wollondilly:

“It is fantastic to see the City Deal Liveability Projects in Wollondilly come to fruition, with many new facilities being completed and now enjoyed by the community.

“We look forward to working closely with our federal, state and local colleagues to deliver on the promises of transport and community infrastructure across the whole Western Parkland City.

“With even more exciting investment on its way, the City Deal is promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting cultural activities while providing an even better place to live, learn, work and play for our residents, while creating local jobs.”