Region. Need to reverse trend

The Urban Taskforce Australia has released a report, Jobs in Western Sydney, Redressing the Balance, which finds that the most important issue in improving Sydney’s transport and infrastructure problem is to reverse the 200,000 commuters heading daily from the region to work in other parts of the metropolitan area. “By 2031, there are likely to be over 300,000 commuters unless we take more actions to dramatically increase job opportunities in Western Sydney,” said taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. The Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group.

Region. Jobs 'diamond'

The Urban Taskforce Australia has proposed the Western Sydney Jobs Diamond, an area connecting Parramatta. Sydney Olympic Park, Penrith, Liverpool, Rouse Hill and the Western Sydney Employment Lands within which higher order jobs related to health, research and the University of Western Sydney are located.

Region. Development authority

A report states that Western Sydney needs a strong advocacy and implementation body with direct connection to key state government The Urban Taskforce Australia recommends the creation of the Western Sydney Economic Development Authority as a high-powered organisation which ccoukld ensure that real jobs are delivered in the region. The report notes a large number of organisations involved in the development of Wetsern Sydney but an overarching economic development authority was needed to drive investment would result in a more efficient approach to driving jobs related development.

Region. Restraints on growth

The capacity of cities in Western Sydney to achieve significant growth is constrained by numerous factors including, land tenure and fragmentation, the dominance of residential uses, economic barriers to development, poor infrastructure and negative perceptions associated with the region. Addressing these constraints is necessary to allow centres in Western Sydney to achieve both their employment and housing targets, according to a Future Directions Western Sydney 2030 prepared by ARUP.