G’day everyone,

June and July were flat out: new airport terminals, new housing reforms, new momentum. From Penrith to Parramatta and the South West, there is so much dynamism and Business Western Sydney is proud to be working across the region.

Regards,
David Borger

Minns Takes On Tough Reform

In June, Business Western Sydney was pleased to host the Premier taking on tough reform. At a packed luncheon with businesses large and small, Chris Minns laid out his plan to fix NSW’s broken workers comp system.  Passing these reforms won't be easy, but in our view, essential to build a fairer and more financially sustainable system for the future. Proposed legislation is currently before a Parliamentary Committee.

In other remarks, the Premier shared credit with his predecessors for the city’s Metro ambitions, calling it the “spark” Sydney needed.

We also heard about the government’s push for new planning legislation, the need for continued leadership when it comes to addressing the housing crisis, and his ambition to make Western Sydney a must-visit tourism destination.

A big thanks to the Premier for his frank, engaging remarks and to the 130+ members and guests who joined us. We look forward to hosting the Premier next at our Housing Now! Conference on September 30.


Not Just a stop

Sydney has fallen in love with Metro – and here in the West, we deserve stations that are every bit as iconic.

That’s why Business Western Sydney has teamed up with the Committee for Sydney to launch Beauty and Budget, a report calling for ambitious architectural design and place-making around the Metro West from Pyrmont to Westmead.  

We launched the report with Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter. Since then, the NSW Government has shortlisted two consortia to deliver a landmark precinct above the future Parramatta Metro site.

Metro West isn’t just a transport project, it’s a once-in-a-generation chance to shape our city. Parramatta could be home to a new nightlife and entertainment precinct – Western Sydney’s very own Times Square.

Thanks to Minister for Transport, Arts and Night-Time Economy John Graham for his support and engagement. With smart design and bold ambition, let’s build stations and precincts that stand the test of time.

Housing pattern book win

In a big win for housing reform, the NSW Government has launched the Housing Pattern Book, a direct result of advocacy by our Housing Now! Alliance.

From July 30, developers can access $1 architect-designed home templates (usually $20K+) and get fast-tracked approvals in just 10 days. This is all about bringing walkable, Surry Hills-style density to suburbs across the state.

Momentum to tackle the housing crisis is growing. The new Housing Delivery Authority has already received more than 500 applications.

And with the Rosehill Racecourse plan off the table, attention is turning to the next big idea: church-owned land. Our friends at Faith Housing Australia have identified 747 sites near train stations, enough for 20,000 affordable homes. It’s not a win yet, but it could be the “miracle” Sydney needs.

Airport terminal milestone

What a moment it was celebrating the opening of the stunning new terminal at Western Sydney International Airport in June.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially cut the ribbon, marking a major milestone in a long and hard-fought journey. At Business Western Sydney, we were especially proud to have kicked off the original campaign back in the early 2010s to secure a 24/7 airport for our region. It was a game-changer we knew Western Sydney deserved.

Now, with Air New Zealand joining Qantas, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines, the promise of global connection is becoming reality. This airport isn’t just a piece of infrastructure – it’s the launchpad for the next era of jobs, tourism and investment in the west.

Congratulations to everyone bringing this vision to life.

Gpop! conference: ideas in motion

This year's GPOP! Conference outlined a bold vision for the future of Greater Parramatta and the Olympic Peninsula.                                                                                              
 Transport Minister John Graham highlighted the NSW Government’s investments in metro, buses and light rail. Federal Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton positioned Parramatta as the hub of Sydney's digital future, with data centre expansion an area of opportunity for Western Sydney.

Several in the room argued that additional Metro stations between Parramatta and Olympic Park are critical connectors for a rapidly growing population that needs access to jobs. 
                                                                                                                                                              Panel discussions focused on major issues such as micromobility (yep, Lime Bikes are coming to the west), improved tourism experiences, and addressing loneliness in high-rise living. What about Tony MacDonald's Metro fly-in video and the performance by River City Voices? Spine-tingling.
                                                                                                                                                        Twenty-five years since the “best ever Olympics”, thanks to everyone who joined us in imagining what happens next.

planning reform in focus

At a recent Business Western Sydney boardroom lunch, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Kiersten Fishburn joined us for a candid discussion on the next chapter of reform.

From Transport Oriented Developments (TODs) to mid rise housing and aerotropolis land audits, she outlined how Western Sydney has the rare opportunity to create a true housing mosaic, combining green fields and brownfield sites to support 2 million future residents.

Fishburn reminded us that rezoning “25% of Sydney” is a generational investment to avert the next housing crisis. As John Brogden said, there is no one solution, we must pull every lever.

Big thanks to Urban Property Group for backing the event. 

penrith budget lunch

With lakes, mountains and a thriving community, Penrith is primed for its next big leap as Western Sydney International Airport opens in 2026.

At the NSW Budget Brunch hosted by the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey detailed the government’s investments in the region, including road upgrades, airport bus links, a Penrith Stadium revamp and two more years of “Pondi”, the West’s very own city beach. Mayor Todd Carney shared Council’s powerful vision for a 24/7 economy, driven by the Nepean River, smart jobs and cultural vitality.

Huge thanks to my fellow MC Richard Fox and Stacey Randell for making it such a standout event.

More photos here.


state budget lunch

Western Sydney stood front and centre in this year’s State Budget.

At our annual Budget Lunch in Campbelltown, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey detailed major investments in housing, skills and infrastructure, including $500 million to upgrade Fifteenth Avenue between Liverpool and Bradfield, as well as a historic $700 million boost for Bankstown Hospital.

Other wins include expanded bus services for Parramatta, Liverpool, Rouse Hill and Campbelltown. New housing measures include fee-free construction apprenticeships, a Presale Finance Guarantee to fast-track supply and long-term land tax concessions for build-to-rent.

We endorse the government’s Innovation Blueprint, but would like even more focus on using the tech talents of Western Sydney. With innovation focused on Tech Central, we’re calling for Liverpool-based incubators and enhanced startup support in the west.


Utilities Summit: enabling growth

As Western Sydney grows, so too does the strain on essential infrastructure. Opening our annual Business Western Sydney Utilities Summit, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Climate Change Penny Sharpe  called for bold action on urban heat, decarbonisation and resilience.

Transgrid confirmed it can deliver 68% renewables by 2030, but only with $4.2 billion in transmission upgrades. We also learned that Endeavour Energy is trialling smart poles that auto-shade walkways. Meanwhile, 1 in 4 new batteries in NSW are now being installed in Western Sydney.

Continued rollout of water infrastructure is vital.

Business Western Sydney has written a submission opposing IPART’s proposed $5.9 billion (35%) cut to Sydney Water’s capital and operational spending for 2025–2030. We believe it will delay critical infrastructure and jeopardise delivery of new homes—particularly in Western and South West Sydney.

No pipes, no homes. No power, no growth. Let’s invest in the basics our future depends on.

Social infrastructure blueprint in Blacktown

In Blacktown, we tackled a pressing question: how to fund the essential social infrastructure, pools, parks, libraries and community centres that make our suburbs great places to live?

The current funding model is broken, as Kerry Robinson OAM, CEO of Blacktown City Council, pointed out. Rate caps and outdated developer levies leave councils with a $1.2 billion shortfall each year. Meanwhile, a majority of Western Sydney households now live on blocks under 500 square metres, yet access to green and community spaces is lagging.

Kerry and Kylee Anastasi, Managing Director of Create Advisory, offered clear-eyed solutions, including: better planning, greater support from the state, partnering with developers and embracing flexible, shared-use spaces.

Blacktown is leading by example. Its $273 million infrastructure rollout includes the new Seven Hills Hub, major cultural facilities, and a $40 million partnership with Vinnies in Mt Druitt.

The standout? The Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub, a model of what’s possible when ambition meets collaboration.