Region. 8000 hectares needed for growth

The Emplopyment Lands Policy report from the Parramatta-based Regional Development Australia- Sydney, calls for 8000 hectares of employment land to be zoned and serviced as an “economic priority”, as well as up to five new business and technology parks for white-collar jobs in Western Sydney. Development on land that is already released is being held back by lack of pubic sector investment in infrastructure, ignorance of corridor planning and an ill-defined freight strategy and transport links, the report said. “[Western Sydney] is the third largest economy in Australia and it has been neglected. And you don’t get infrastructure unless you get growth,”said acting chairman, Roy Medich. Western Sydney, the third largest economy in Australia with a GRP of approximately $85 billion.

Region. Employment growth

Western Sydney had mixed results in research on employment released in the Bankwest Employment Growth Corridors report. Results ranged from Central Western Sydney – a “hot spot” – comprising the Auburn, Holroyd and Parramatta local government authorities (LGA), which showed a growth rate of 6 per cent in employment since the economic crisis began in November 2007, to Outer South West Sydney – a “cold spot” – comprising Camden, Campbelltown and Wollondilly LGA, which recorded a fall of 5 per cent. Lower Northern Sydney, comprising Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Ryde and Willoughby LGAs recorded a growth rate of 13 per cent, the highest in NSW