Local, State & National Governments Talk Action For Western Sydney City Deal

A roundtable of eight western Sydney councils has confirmed a Western Sydney City Deal is on track for delivery in 2017.

Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor and NSW Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres co-chaired on Monday, June 5 a meeting of mayors and general managers from Sydney’s west and southwest districts.

As a result of proceedings, the Australian and NSW Governments will work together with local governments across Sydney’s West and South-West Districts towards News South Wales' first city deal that will focus on delivering better outcomes for a City Deal region expecting 500,000 additional residents by 2036.

The deal includes Sydney's West and South West Districts, specifically the local government areas of Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith, the Blue Mountains and Wollondilly.

"Discussions focused on Connectivity was raised as a critical driver of growth, with improved transport to and from and within the region, fundamental for Western Sydney to emerge as a city in its own right," Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor said.

"The City Deal is seen as an opportunity for new approaches to regional governance."The City Deal will focus on:

• An increase in infrastructure investment, including transformative public transport projects, to unlock the economic potential of the region, reduce congestion and support local needs.
• A program of employment and investment attraction to support the development of the region, through reduced business regulation, investment in skills and removing barriers to employment, including a focus on youth and Indigenous employment.
• Improving housing affordability through support for increased supply and housing diversity, including improvements to planning and zoning regulations and higher density developments in appropriate locations.
• Improved environmental and liveability outcomes, including streamlined and coordinated biodiversity conservation, support for clean air, green spaces, vibrant arts and cultural experiences.
• Coordination between governments to deliver regulatory reforms that better integrate infrastructure, land use, housing and environmental planning decisions to facilitate growth.