G’day everyone, 

Last week I attended the launch of Qantas and Jetstar’s inaugural flights at Western Sydney International Airport, a reminder that we are in a landmark year. What was once unthinkable is now becoming reality, as Western Sydney connects directly to the world.

As we move through Federal and State budget season, critical decisions are being made about the region’s future, particularly across infrastructure, housing and taxation. We will continue to connect you with policy-makers and leading thinkers, including through our upcoming Housing Now! GPOP, Westmead and Aerotropolis conferences.

Western Sydney is now firmly on the global map. 
Regards,  

David Borger 

BEYOND THE RUNWAY

The new Qantas and Jetstar flights will operate services from Western Sydney International Airport to Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in another major vote of confidence in our region.

For those of us who spent years campaigning for this airport, it's exciting to see the pieces fall into place. Combined with international services already announced by Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines, Western Sydney will be Australia's newest aviation gateway. Credit also to Federal Minister Catherine King, CEO Simon Hickey and his team for their ongoing work to lure the big, popular Gulf carriers our way.

The next story is what happens beyond the runway. The airport creates opportunities across tourism, hospitality, education, logistics, advanced manufacturing and business investment. That's why Business Western Sydney continues to push for a refreshed Western Sydney Visitor Economy Strategy and a stronger focus on attracting hotels and major events to the region.

Our recent research with CBRE found Western Sydney will need around 11,500 additional hotel rooms over the next 20 years. Let’s start planning that now.

We're also working with Business NSW on plans for a civic and business delegation to Auckland in October 2026, coinciding with first flights. Watch this space.

FAIR SHARE FOR WEST

The Federal Budget contained many welcome measures, including reforms to negative gearing aimed at incentivising new housing supply and steps to place the NDIS on a more sustainable footing.

There was also continued support for road and transport links through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, $50 million to upgrade the Sydney–Canberra rail corridor, and more investment linked to the delivery of Western Sydney International Airport.

Western Sydney has almost the same population as Western Australia. Business Western Sydney is calling for infrastructure funding to match.

We agree with Premier Chris Minns, who noted that NSW received just 17% of available infrastructure funding despite representing 31% of the population.

Business Western Sydney continues to call for a more deliberate focus on where growth is occurring, and for Western Sydney to be treated as a national infrastructure priority. That includes urgent investment in:

• Major Metro and rail projects across North West and South West Sydney, full funding for Parramatta light rail Stage 2
• Expanded Commonwealth-supported university places in Western Sydney
• VET reform, including needs-based funding and TAFE Centres of Excellence in Liverpool and Campbelltown
• A South West Sydney Justice Precinct, including Federal Family Court services
• Consolidation of the Westmead Health and Innovation District, including joint Commonwealth-State funding of the proposed Gene Technologies facility by Children’s Medical Research Institute

AFTER THE BUDGET

Several weeks on from the Federal Budget, the debate over its implications continues – and our Annual Budget Luncheon in Parramatta helped set out some of the key contours.

The discussion focused on the major policy questions underpinning the Budget: how to lift housing supply and ensure it reaches those who need it, how to design a tax system that supports investment and productivity, and how to balance short-term fiscal pressures with long-term national capacity.

Federal Cabinet Minister Chris Bowen outlined the Government’s approach, including housing-related tax settings and broader energy and fiscal priorities.

Allegra Spender MP offered a reform-focused perspective on tax and productivity, while Senator Andrew Bragg outlined the Coalition’s position, particularly around investment confidence and the risks of policy change impacting stability.

The luncheon provided a useful starting point for a debate that is still evolving, with capital gains tax settings emerging as a key point of focus.

Thank you to all speakers and guests for a thoughtful and constructive discussion.

west APP LAUNCH

The WEST APP was launched in late May at NSW Parliament, providing a digital “treasure map” to help people discover Western Sydney’s hidden gems, well done to founder Dean Boone and his team. This is an app by Western Sydney, for Western Sydney, showcasing the businesses, events and experiences that make the region unique. 

We need more of this. Vivid has demonstrated what is possible when government backs a city-wide cultural experience. Western Sydney deserves a similar level of support to unlock its visitor economy potential. 

This year, Business Western Sydney is calling for a more ambitious tourism strategy for the region, aligned with the scale of opportunity around the opening of the new airport. That means faster planning approvals for hotels, stronger promotion to interstate and international audiences, and a properly backed program of festivals and events. Stay tuned. 

FISHBURN for Lunch

Our discussion with the NSW Planning Secretary focused on housing delivery and feasibility challenges, showcasing strong progress but ongoing barriers.

Following the largest rezoning program in the state’s history, NSW has 79,000 homes under construction – the most in seven years – alongside the strongest quarter of completions in six years. More than 12,000 homes are under assessment through the Transport Oriented Development program, while over 1,000 State Significant Developments are in the system.

There are still real barriers to feasibility. Members raised important questions around aligning housing with infrastructure delivery, local council capacity to process planning applications, and the growing role of data centres in the planning system.

The Secretary spoke candidly about the system’s “moral responsibility” to help address the housing crisis. Business Western Sydney also congratulates Kiersten on her King’s Birthday Public Service Medal.

COMPLETING A CRITICAL LINK

Last month I was out near Spring Farm inspecting what can only be described as a road to nowhere. It would be funny if it weren't such a serious gap in our transport network. 

Spring Farm Parkway remains incomplete, leaving a critical gap between the Camden and Campbelltown LGAs. Stage 2 funding is essential to support growth across South West Sydney and take pressure off Narellan Road.

To the NSW Government's credit, there is growing recognition of the need to invest in Western Sydney's road network, reflected in the recent $190 million commitment to widen a section of Windsor Road. Thanks to Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison for her ongoing engagement. 

As Camden's population continues to surge, completing Spring Farm Parkway Stage 2 is critical.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

It was a privilege to welcome NSW Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson for our roundtable, which focused on growing demand for services and the importance of early intervention. 

Discussion centred on innovative models of care, led by the government's Medicare Mental Health Centres. These free community-based services in Liverpool, Penrith and Parramatta do not require an appointment, referral or Medicare card, helping reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments. 

While periods of stress, anxiety and sadness are part of life, the conversation also explored broader drivers of mental health challenges, including loneliness, housing, employment and social connection. An interesting discussion emerged around the growing use of AI tools as informal mental health supports, and what this may reveal about gaps in traditional services and people's search for connection. 

Thanks to Minister Jackson, and to Brad Parker and the team at MATES in Construction for their support of the event. 

CHAMBER DAY 

Our recent Western Sydney Chamber Forum highlighted the value of collaboration across Western Sydney and the important role local business networks play in shaping the region's future. 

Chamber Presidents and leaders came together from across the region - including Blue Mountains, Penrith Valley, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, Cumberland, The Hills, Campbelltown and Wollondilly. While each community has its own priorities, there is a shared focus on supporting business growth, attracting investment, improving infrastructure and creating great places to live, work and visit. 

Western Sydney is strongest when its chambers work together – sharing ideas, building momentum and advocating with a united voice. 

Thank you to Anne Parnham, Chair of the Western Sydney Regional Advisory Council, Business NSW and all participating chambers. 

PARRA CHINATOWN PLAN

Parramatta is taking another step forward as a global cultural and culinary destination, with City of Parramatta backing our call for a new Chinatown as part of the South Parramatta CBD Masterplan.

Located along the southern end of Church Street, new images show how we can activate underutilised areas with new dining, laneways and a vibrant civic square, reflecting the strong Chinese heritage that has helped shape Parramatta.

I still remember when Tingha Palace was a fixture on Church Street before moving to Parramatta Leagues Club. The history is already there – we just need to build on it.

We've seen how Chinatown transformed Haymarket, while Burwood has shown what's possible. Parramatta has the same raw ingredients: deep Chinese heritage, hardworking local businesses and major new investment reshaping the city, including nearby elite hotels.

As growth continues, this is an important opportunity to unlock Parramatta's full potential as a diverse and globally recognised destination.

big day at clyde

Our recent visit to the Sydney Metro West site at Clyde provided a valuable insight into the scale and complexity of one of Australia's most significant infrastructure projects. 

From tunnelling and systems integration through to the future stabling and maintenance facility, it was clear this is a city-shaping investment that will serve Sydney for decades to come. Seeing the works up close reinforced just how much planning, coordination and engineering goes into delivering projects of this scale. 

A big thank you to the project team, including Howard Collins and Angela Jeffery, for taking the time to walk us through the works and share their long-term vision.  

Be sure to check out the photos from the day below. 

Westmead Health Boost

A major milestone has been reached with the opening of the new Paediatric Services Building at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. 

The 14-storey facility brings together surgical, intensive care and specialist services under one roof, making it easier for families to access world-class care closer to home. It is a critical addition as the region grows and demand for health services increases. 

Projects like this strengthen Western Sydney's position as a centre of excellence in healthcare, research and advanced skills, while helping attract and retain highly skilled clinicians. 

Credit goes to the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and Westmead Institute for Medical Research for their leadership in this important project. 

talking campbelltown

It was great to catch up with Mayor Darcy Lound recently. In this video, he outlines Campbelltown’s plans for the CBD, Queen Street and the justice precinct, along with how Council is using its landholdings to drive jobs, investment and growth.

We also talk about the strong sense of local pride shaping Campbelltown’s identity and ambitions for the future.

Watch the full discussion below.