March Newsletter 2025

Western Sydney Decides

With one in ten Australians living in Western Sydney, the region’s political clout is undeniable. Electorates like Fowler, Greenway, Macarthur, Parramatta, Reid and Werriwa are expected to play a decisive role in determining the next government.

At the recent Western Sydney Decides forum hosted by the Centre for Western Sydney and supported by Business Western Sydney - leading voices came together to explore the region’s most pressing challenges: the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and critical infrastructure needs.

Local MPs offered their vision for Western Sydney’s future:

Andrew Charlton MP spotlighted Parramatta’s booming economy, powered by nine university campuses and the world-class Westmead Health and Innovation District.

Dai Le MP called for better transport connectivity, including an extended Metro West, along with tax reform and incentives to attract more GPs and health professionals to South West Sydney.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor MP pitched Bradfield and the new Western Sydney Airport as catalysts for growth in agribusiness, logistics, and manufacturing, which could make the region a nationally significant economic powerhouse.

With the election just weeks away, the forum underscored Western Sydney’s central role in shaping Australia’s future.

Special thanks to moderator Tom Nance, Director of Partnerships and Advocacy at Western Sydney University, and Vice-Chancellor George Williams, who closed the event with a timely reminder that Western Sydney deserves its fair share of national investment.

South West Sydney on the Right Track

South West Sydney is on track, literally and figuratively, after a major breakthrough in the campaign for better rail infrastructure. With the region’s population set to soar past 1 million within 15 years, the South West Sydney Alliance (SWSA) has successfully put transport connectivity at the top of the federal campaign agenda for Western Sydney.

Before the federal election was called, SWSA leaders stood united at the Bradfield metro box site to demand action on three critical projects:

• Macarthur Metro Link – Extending the airport metro from Bradfield to Campbelltown via Oran Park and Narellan.
• Leppington to Bradfield Rail – A 6km connection finally linking Liverpool to the Western Sydney Airport, which sits within its LGA.
• Wollondilly Rail Upgrades – Electrifying the last diesel-only trains in the Sydney Trains Network.

The Mayors’ message was loud and clear:

“Camden’s grown 500% in 30 years but still has only one station. That’s a joke.” – Mayor Ashleigh Cagney

“Campbelltown’s at breaking point. We need the Macarthur Metro.” – Mayor Darcy Lound

“A Liverpool airport with no Liverpool rail link? Insane.” – Mayor Ned Mannoun

“Wollondilly’s trains are from another century and our population is about to triple.” – Mayor Matt Gould

The result? A $1 billion Federal Government down-payment, announced in Sydney by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and matched by the Liberals. This is an early but significant victory for years of collective advocacy by councils, community leaders, universities and businesses.

But the work isn’t over. With growth accelerating and jobs coming online at Bradfield and the new Western Sydney International Airport, South West Sydney needs more than just planning announcements, it needs timelines and full-scale commitments from all levels of government.

This win proves what’s possible when the region speaks with one voice. Now, let’s keep building momentum.

St Marys Master Plan 

St Marys is set to become a vital crossroads - linking the T1 Western line with the North-South Metro, connecting Parramatta to the Blue Mountains, and the North West to the South West. In coming years, St Marys will transform into an important jobs and strategic centre.

The St Marys Master Plan has been endorsed by Penrith City Council. Business Western Sydney is excited about what’s ahead and we would strongly encourage everyone to check out the detail of the Master Plan.

Visit the website for more details.

Bradfield's First Building 

It’s not every day you witness the birth of a brand new city, but March 5 marked a major milestone as Premier Chris Minns officially opened the first building in Bradfield, the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF).

A sleek, light-filled space built to world-class standards, the AMRF is designed to accelerate Australia’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing. From additive manufacturing and 3D printing, to semiconductor engineering and precision machining, this facility will be a launchpad for innovation and sovereign industrial capability.

The Premier highlighted the significance of this moment, noting the AMRF is the first step in transforming the region into a thriving economic and innovation precinct alongside the Western Sydney International Airport.

Standing on the rooftop of the new building, overlooking green vistas and the future site of 10,000 homes and 20,000 jobs, it's clear that Bradfield is finally moving from vision to reality.

AG Mark Dreyfus  

Business Western Sydney hosted Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus for a packed lunchtime event in Parramatta, where conversations focused on the future of legal infrastructure in Western Sydney.

The Attorney-General outlined his support for federal-state court precincts across the country—highlighting their role in improving access to justice, attracting top legal talent, and driving urban renewal.

The discussion included the next steps in growing its legal footprint, including calls for a permanent NSW Supreme Court presence in Parramatta.

The conversation also focused on the growing recognition of the need for a new South West Sydney justice precinct in Campbelltown, combining modernised State courts with new Federal circuit and family court facilities.

Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor George Williams affirmed the importance to equitable access to the justice system for people in Western Sydney and gave his enthusiastic support to the proposed plans for Campbelltown.

Special thanks to Bartier Perry Lawyers for helping us put the event on.

Surf's Up Parra 

Parramatta may be an “overnight success,” but as many know, it’s been 30 years in the making. At a boisterous Business Western Sydney lunch on March 19, leaders and stakeholders came together to chart what’s next.

Key priorities included:

• Closing the $90 million gap to redevelop Riverside Theatres
• Delivering the Civic Link – a vibrant new connection between the station and the river
• Cementing Parramatta’s status as a smart city (one of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2025)
• Driving urban renewal from North Parramatta to Rosehill
• Transforming the Metro West precinct into a commercial and cultural destination
• Supercharging the events and festivals budget

Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter shared a bold vision for Parramatta as Sydney’s future “Grand Central,” linked by high-speed rail and metro to the new Western Sydney Airport. City of Parramatta CEO Gail Connolly offered a candid and humorous reflection on her journey and achievements in the role so far.

Held at RAFI in Sydney Olympic Park, overlooking the waves of URBNSURF, the event also featured a tour by Billbergia Group showcasing the impressive growth of Wentworth Point, a rising mini-city with a thriving community.