The announcement that the NSW Government is establishing the Western Sydney Priority Growth Area is good news but rail connections are essential, says the Urban Taskforce.
“The area around the Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek has the potential to drive employment for the region,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “The establishment of the priority growth area will give a special focus to the area as an employment zone and an area for residential development.
“The involvement of Penrith and Liverpool Councils will ensure support at the local level, but the Federal Government also needs to be involved in the partnership.”
“The statement by the leader of the Federal Opposition that a rail link to the airport site must be fast tracked needs to be supported by the Federal Government. All political parties need to work together to ensure Western Sydney gets an integrated solution to development.”
“This is the perfect opportunity for Jamie Briggs, the newly appointed Minister for Cities and the Built Environment to step in to ensure that the economic and social benefits of the Badgerys Creek Airport – a hugely critical piece of infrastructure of national importance – are fully realised.”
“The Department of Planning and Environment will prepare a Land Use and Infrastructure Strategy to guide new infrastructure investment, identify new homes and jobs close to transport and coordinate services in the area. ‘This Strategy will be key to the success of the Priority Growth Area. It is crucial that industry, including property developers, land owners and others are involved in the preparation of the strategy to ensure that these plans are financially feasible and attract development’.”
“The proposed infrastructure contribution levy to contribute to funding of regional infrastructure is appropriate as long as the amounts do not over inflate the cost of developing sites. By spreading a levy across a large area contributions should be kept at reasonable level.”
Image source: Dept of Planning & Environment
