Region. Residents map the future

The federal Parliamentary Secretary of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Maxine McKew, has launched a website which allows Western Sydney residents to participate in the future of the region. “It’s a collaborative approach to future planning that breaks down barriers, between the 11 member (WSROC) councils and the communities they serve,” she said at the launch of Futuremaps, in Parramatta, attended by about 40 representatives of government departments and regional councils. Clr Alison McLaren, WSROC president, said Futuremaps was part of WSROC’s Western Sydney 2030 campaign. “I find the Western Sydney 2030 project very encouraging,” Ms McKew said. She said many critical decisions had to be made over the next few years “which are crucially important in getting ourselves ready for the future– which is exactly what WSROC is seeking to do”.