January Newsletter 2026

AEROTROPOLIS CONFERENCE BIGGEST AND BEST YET

Western Sydney is on the cusp of a transformation, and our Aerotropolis Conference at Warwick Farm highlighted exactly that. 

We welcomed Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. She underscored the significance of Western Sydney International Airport and the Aerotropolis precinct. 

With the airport months away from opening, the Aerotropolis is set to create thousands of jobs and attract billions of dollars in new investment. 

A big thank you to our sponsors and partners for making the day possible - particularly Simon Hickey and the team at Western Sydney International Airport, Jennifer Westacott and Ken Morrison from the Bradfield Development Authority. 

It was also a highlight to hear from Professor John Kasarda, father of the Aerotropolis concept, who joined live from overseas. 

Business Western Sydney led the original campaign for the airport in the early 2010s, back when many thought progress was impossible. There’s still work ahead, but we have no doubt the new airport will be a great success.  

Watch the wrap-up video for highlights and insights from the day.

LIVERPOOL: THE WORLD IN ONE CITY

At the Aerotropolis Conference, we also launched Liverpool: The World in One City. Led by Vy Nguyen, Director of the Liverpool Innovation Precinct (chaired by Business Western Sydney), this is a bold advocacy agenda to position Liverpool as Sydney’s next major CBD. Despite some challenges, Liverpool’s moving forward. The NSW Government has announced a Special Entertainment Precinct and major university, hospital and education developments are underway in the heart of the city. 

Central to our vision for Liverpool’s future is Liverpool Square, a civic and employment showpiece with government offices modeled on Parramatta Square. Anchored by Liverpool Station and connected by fast, multimodal transport to Bradfield, the airport and Greater Sydney, the square would create a true sense of arrival – attracting talent, investment and opportunity. 

We also propose a new Liverpool Incubator, finally bringing Tech Central capability to South West Sydney, and a Liverpool TAFE Centre of Excellence. Both addressing the critical need to build more jobs close to home. 

With focused attention from all levels of government, Liverpool can be the gateway to South West Sydney. 

Read the full report: Liverpool – The World in One City

OUR ACTIVE RIVERS REPORT

Sydney is often called a harbour city, but in truth, we are a river city. The launch of our Our Active Rivers report sets out a bold, but achievable vision: for every Western Sydney resident to live within 20 minutes of a clean, safe, natural swimming spot. 

From Parramatta to Penrith, Macarthur to the Hawkesbury, our rivers shape the west’s landscape and identity, yet their potential has been under-realised. As the region’s population approaches three million, access to waterways is increasingly about health, equity and quality of life, particularly as summers grow hotter than the coast. 

The report identifies a “Magnificent Seven” priority sites, including Penrith Lakes, Prospect Reservoir, Parramatta Beach, Camden Lakes and Chipping Norton Lakes. Activated rivers will support swim safety, strengthen local economies and reconnect communities with nature. They’re what we need for a more liveable, healthier Western Sydney. 

Thanks to Nick Ryan of Business Western Sydney for continuing to lead this agenda.

TURING RIVERS OF DREAMS INTO REALITY

The Business Western Sydney Annual Rivers Symposium again brought together key government, industry and community leaders. Terrific to be joined by Minister for Water Rose Jackson, Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Blacktown City Council Mayor Brad Bunting, Richard Fox, Matt Gijselman of Bentley Systems, and many others who share a commitment to safer, more accessible waterways. 

The conversation was timely, particularly given Western Sydney’s scorching summers, often 10–15 degrees hotter than the coast. Safe river beaches for swimming, paddling and water activities are no longer a nice-to-have, they are essential infrastructure.  

Building on the Symposium, my recent visit to Prospect Reservoir with Brad and Hugh included a tour of the site and the historic 1888 Pumping Station Outlet Tower.  

Positive to see the NSW Government open a new swimming site at Bedlam Bay in Hunters Hill. We strongly support - and urge delivery of - its commitment to opening Prospect Reservoir for public swimming. 

WESTERN SYDNEY ON THE MOVE

In December, Business Western Sydney hosted Minister John Graham for a deep-dive discussion on transport. Amid a buoyant atmosphere at our final luncheon for the year, the Minister provided important updates on the region’s Metro rollout, including tunnelling milestones at Westmead, and progress on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2. 

Building on our paper with the Committee for Sydney earlier this year, the Minister also highlighted the role of metro station boxes in unlocking future development and entertainment opportunities - particularly in Parramatta, Olympic Park and Pyrmont. 

We also examined practical priorities, including electrifying train lines past Campbelltown into Wollondilly and increasing bus frequencies. The Minister emphasised that buses remain the most-used form of transport in the west and that improving services is essential to equity and liveability. 

The discussion also featured a panel with Matt Gijselman from Bentley Systems and transport influencer Sharath Mahendran, who are driving innovative new ideas for Western Sydney’s transport future. If you haven’t already, check out Sharath’s YouTube channel Building Beautifully. 

BIG ADVOCACY WINS

Christmas brought two major advocacy wins that will make a real difference for businesses and communities across Western Sydney. 

First, the NSW Government announced workers’ compensation reform, a long-standing priority for Business NSW and Business Western Sydney. Sensible measures that protect injured workers while ensuring the sustainability of the scheme will benefit Western Sydney, where small and medium enterprises form the backbone of our economy but have faced rising premiums. 

We welcome the bipartisan support from Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, which has made compromise possible. 

Second, the Government confirmed a permanent $60 weekly toll cap, funded through a more equitable distribution of tolls across the city. This is an important outcome for Western Sydney commuters and businesses, who disproportionately rely on cars to move people and goods. 

Thanks, in particular to President Anne Parnham and the members of the Western Sydney RAC, especially our Chamber representatives Jason Owen and Shefali Pall, who have advocated strongly on this issue. 

EELS SET NEW STANDARD 

It was great to host Western Sydney business and civic leaders recently at the Parramatta Eels NRL Club’s Centre of Excellence in Kellyville. 

This $70 million precinct, funded by the NSW and Australian Governments, The Hills Shire Council and Parramatta Leagues Club, is now the largest rugby league training facility in the world and Australia’s first gender-equal elite facility. 

With five full-sized fields, a 1,500-seat grandstand and community spaces, it is a genuine game-changer for both sport and economic development in Western Sydney. 

Thanks to the Eels’ Jim Sarantinos, Mark O’Neill and all who came out for a fun morning. 

SOUTH WEST SYDNEY WRAP

The final South West Sydney Alliance event for 2025 was held on a very hot afternoon at the Oran Park Hotel. 

Thanks to all who attended, including Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli, Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound, Parliamentary Secretary Greg Warren and MPs Sally Quinnell, Judy Hannan and David Moncrieff.  

As we head into 2026, it’s encouraging to see the Premier flag more rail for Western Sydney as his top priority, a clear sign the region is firmly on the agenda.

Building on the vision set out in our The Future is South West report, launched in the NSW Parliament in August, we look forward to driving even greater outcomes in 2026. 

CABRAVALE MEANS COMMUNITY

Canley Vale and Cabramatta are true gems of Western Sydney. The opening of the Cabravale Club Resort is a strong reminder that clubs sit at the very heart of our communities - places for celebration, connection and belonging. 

Cabramatta and Canley Vale are special communities. Walking through the area, you see people practising tai chi, playing pickleball and basketball, and locals selling the fruits of their gardens along the main street in makeshift stalls. That sense of life and community is unmistakable. 

It’s also fantastic to see the new Novotel Hotel opened ahead of Western Sydney International Airport. Congratulations to the entire team for lifting the bar and creating outstanding dining and entertainment experiences.  

The new MAGMA restaurant is a real highlight and a credit to hatted chef Danny Karam. 

PONDI: WHAT'S NEXT? 

Penrith Beach (Pondi) has once again been a summer smash for Western Sydney families, offering a safe, accessible and much‑needed place to cool off during the hottest months. With extended hours (7am–7pm), added shade and helpful amenities like outdoor showers, Pondi has become a staple of the season.

Standing on the sand, though, it’s hard not to imagine what a permanent, year‑round Pondi could become. Recently, we spoke with Andrew Bondini from the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. Andrew shared some exciting early concepts, including a Lakehouse precinct with walkways, pontoons, upgraded amenities, cafés and community spaces.

It’s a reminder that while Pondi is currently a temporary summer beach, the potential is far greater. Western Sydney has long needed more high‑quality recreation spaces close to home, and Pondi could be the centrepiece of a thriving lakeside destination.

 Check out the video and see what you think.