G’day everyone,  

The year is already in full swing and Western Sydney isn’t waiting for anyone. We’ve already secured some important advocacy wins, brought stakeholders together for tours of Bradfield and the new airport terminal, convened our education workshop and hosted Premier’s Department Secretary Simon Draper for a frank discussion about the State’s direction. We've also put more of Western Sydney into the government's Draft Sydney Plan. Here’s what’s moving across our region. 

Regards,  

David Borger

High-Speed Rail Momentum 

The Commonwealth’s business case for high-speed rail, along with $230 million for detailed early-stage planning, is a serious signal and Western Sydney will be central. 

A line linking Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, Parramatta, Western Sydney International Airport, Canberra and Melbourne would reshape the east coast economy. At 320km/h, Sydney CBD to Parramatta becomes a sub 10-minute journey. That changes investment patterns. It changes housing demand. It changes business confidence. 

We have long argued Parramatta should be the “St Pancras” of Sydney - an interchange point where metro, heavy rail, light rail, buses and high-speed rail converge. 

Yes, the costs demand scrutiny. Yes, the detail matters. But ambition matters too. If delivered properly, this corridor positions Western Sydney at the heart of a national economic spine by 2042. 

Inside Government Thinking 

Our Boardroom Luncheon with Simon Draper was direct, practical and timely. 

The Secretary of the NSW Premier’s Department told us that housing delivery is no longer just a planning debate. Construction costs, productivity and labour supply are now the primary constraints to building in NSW. That is where reform must focus. 

We also heard clearly that NSW’s economy is evolving. Logistics, renewable energy and data centres are now core pillars. The energy transition is underway, with Renewable Energy Zones rolling out - and gas still playing a practical role. 

Members pushed hard on Western Sydney’s place in the Sydney Plan, tourism strategy and infrastructure balance. We also discussed the human side of leadership in difficult times - a reminder that economic strength and social cohesion go hand in hand. 

Constructive engagement matters. We’ll keep making sure Western Sydney’s voice is heard at the highest levels. 

Light Rail Locked In 

Confirmation that Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will proceed, even in stages, is welcome news for Parramatta and the broader region. 

Following the collapse of the Epping to Parramatta Rail Link in the 2000's, Business Western Sydney helped establish the case for a modern light rail network that matched the city’s growth. Over many years, we have consistently advocated for Stage 2 because a fast growing CBD simply cannot function without strong east to west connections. 

You do not build Stage 1 and leave it isolated. Linking Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park and the Parramatta CBD strengthens the entire transport network and supports the housing already planned in these suburbs. 

Stage 2 is going to be delivered in two stages, but the important thing is this. It is happening. More connectivity around Parramatta means stronger productivity, better housing outcomes and a vibrant CBD. 

Lancer Barracks Future

Lancer Barracks represents one of the most significant long-term opportunities in Parramatta’s CBD. 

Business Western Sydney began advocating around seven years ago for the site to be opened up and better integrated into the city. We produced an early vision outlining how the Barracks could evolve into a publicly accessible, green civic space while respecting its heritage and military significance. 

With the Commonwealth confirming the site will be released as part of broader Defence land disposal, the conversation can now move forward. 

In a rapidly densifying CBD, accessible open space matters. Heritage matters. Civic identity matters. 

Handled well, Lancer Barracks can become a defining green and cultural anchor for Parramatta.

Education Cannot Wait 

In early February, we convened leaders from public, Catholic and independent schools, alongside universities, TAFE, VET providers and employers for a comprehensive workshop. 

The message was consistent. While acknowledging the ongoing progress being made by government, Western Sydney’s population growth continues to outpace school infrastructure. A particular issue identified was delays in planning approvals for new schools in high growth areas. 

At the tertiary level, providers are expanding degrees and delivery models but ensuring equity and enough student housing remain pressure points. 

Western Sydney is Australia’s youngest region. Education planning here can lead the state rather than play catch up. 

Insights from this session will shape our Western Sydney Education Summit later this month. A report with clear, practical recommendations is being developed that will guide our advocacy with State and Federal Ministers. Stay tuned. 

Bradfield lifts off

We brought 60 members together for an up-close look at transformation across Bradfield and the Aerotropolis. 

From upgrades around St Marys to industrial expansion along Mamre Road, the scale of change is undeniable. At Western Sydney International Airport, the terminal design reflects global ambition, natural light, seamless check-in and room to grow. 

At Bradfield City Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility is rising and metro construction is well underway. 

Standing there, you can feel it. This is no longer a concept on a map.  

In decades to come, we will look back and say Western Sydney did not wait for the future. We built it. 

Thanks especially to Catherine Payne, Ken Morrison, the team at Penrith City Council and GoZero for the cool bus transport. 

Runway into History 

For one day only, the runway at Western Sydney International Airport will open to the public. 

The Runway Run and Walk on Sunday 26 April gives participants access to the 3.7-kilometre strip before aviation operations begin. The event supports the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation. 

Register early at runwayrun.com.au to avoid missing out on this historic opportunity.

Once the airport moves to 24-hour operations, this level of access will not be possible again. 

It is rare to stand on nation-building infrastructure before it officially launches. Western Sydney has waited decades for its airport. Before the first passenger flight departs, the community gets its moment on the runway.

Data Centres Rising  

Western Sydney now hosts the majority of NSW’s data centre capacity and investment continues to accelerate, as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald.

These facilities underpin AI, robotics, defence capability, logistics automation and advanced manufacturing. They are critical economic infrastructure. 

Projected energy demand could reach 4.4 gigawatts within a decade. That requires coordinated planning around grid capacity, industrial land protection and energy policy. 

This is a generational opportunity to position Western Sydney as the digital engine room of the nation. 

We are advocating for a clear regional energy strategy to ensure growth is sustainable and supports the broader economy. Looking forward to our Utilities Summit in April where we'll discuss this more. 

Parramatta’s Global Ambition   

A constructive lunchtime discussion with Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter and Acting CEO George Bounassif that reinforced Parramatta’s exciting trajectory. 

The city’s ambition of 150,000 jobs by 2050 is serious. The Civic Link project between the train station and the river, new urban renewal precincts and a stronger night-time economy are reshaping Parramatta’s profile. 

We discussed faster planning pathways, renewal opportunities in Epping and ensuring Parramatta is embedded in high-speed rail thinking. Universities around the table expressed a strong wish to partner to lift the city’s student offering. 

Thanks to our guests for proud, passionate presentations on the day.  

Finally, a reminder that consultation on Parramatta’s draft City Economy Strategy is open until 11 March. We encourage members to make a submission.

Sydney Plan: Our Edits 

Business Western Sydney has taken consistent feedback from members on the NSW Government’s Draft Sydney Plan. 

Once finalised, this document will replace the 2018 Greater Sydney Metropolitan Plan, making it the successor to the “Lucy Turnbull” three cities vision. 

In submissions from Business Western Sydney, the South West Sydney Alliance and Liverpool Innovation Precinct, several common themes emerged. Western Sydney’s jobs deficit must be addressed, particularly beyond Parramatta.  

Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool and Campbelltown deserve clear recognition as major employment centres. 

Future Metro, rail and road investments should be overlaid within the Plan to reinforce the link between housing, transport and real job creation. 

We have strongly praised much of the Government’s housing and planning reform agenda. But there is an opportunity here to frame a Plan that places Western Sydney exactly where it belongs, at the centre of the city’s economic future. 

Asia’s Biggest Stage 

The AFC Women's Asian Cup football tournament has kicked off, with a big focus on Western Sydney. 

Matches at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta and Accor Stadium in Olympic Park will bring global attention, visitors and economic activity. 

At a time of unrest and upheaval in the world, we could benefit from the unifying power of sport more than ever. 

Western Sydney performs when the spotlight is on. In coming weeks, that spotlight will be bright. Go the Matildas!