You can have your say on rail priorities for Western Sydney. The Western Sydney Rail Needs Discussion Paper was released on 16 September. Download the discussion paper
It outlines six rail options that connect to the future Western Sydney Airport. Click to see the route options
Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said “only one option will truly transform this region and deliver a once in a lifetime opportunity to capitalise on the enormous potential that exists in Western Sydney”. Connecting Western Sydney with a rail link from Marsden Park to Campebelltown via the airport will activate new employment hubs and create significantly more jobs than the airport alone. Read more
Feedback is being sought on the discussion paper until 28 October. Go to the Have Your Say portal
The Australian and NSW governments are also encouraging industry and investors to comment, in a bid "to find innovative ideas that will provide benefits to the people of Western Sydney". Download the Industry Engagement Briefing Paper
Apartments a boost for tourism
Sixty-one serviced apartments will be built 70 metres from Penrith Station, providing a boost for local tourism. An eight-storey apartment block has been approved for the ‘Urban Plaza’ precinct of the $650 million Thornton village. The development, designed by DKO Architecture for St Hilliers, includes a café, conference room, gymnasium and two levels of parking. Click for more
UDIA: Revolution of our Cities
We sponsored the 'Revolution of our Cities' session at the Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW State Conference this week. Assistant General Manager Craig Butler thanked guest speakers and the moderator and said: “Sydney is not one city. Sydney is three dominant cities: Sydney the Global City, Parramatta the Central City, and the third city is the city of the future, the city of growth. We call it the ‘New West’. It’s that vast area between the south west and north west sector.” Click the play button above to watch his address
A video highlighting all that Penrith has to offer was also played at the Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW State Conference.
Click the play button to watch
Western Sydney 'City Deal'
The Federal Government is about to begin formal discussions on a Western Sydney City Deal. Assistant Minister for Cities Angus Taylor said this will pull the threads together on Western Sydney development. “The City Deal process will involve all levels of government collaborating with private sector contributors and local communities... to set goals for development and a plan for action around the Western Sydney Airport…. Here is the opportunity to build infrastructure that will support Western Sydney’s development as a liveable city. (It) will look to address housing supply and affordability by supporting integrated planning and greater diversity of housing options. Jobs closer to homes is one of the clear goals. (It) will also ensure long-term management of the region’s environmental assets.” Click for more information
Western Sydney University (WSU) and Penrith Council’s controlled entity Penrith Performing and Visual Arts (PP&VA) have formed a partnership to help produce new cultural events and research projects. WSU and PP&VA will work closely to develop innovative artistic programs and community events for the local region and beyond. WSU students will be given opportunities to work at PP&VA organisations, including the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by WSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover and PP&VA Chairman Peter Anderson AM at the opening of the Gravity (and Wonder) exhibition on 3 September. Click for more
