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.

Liverpool. Workshop to attract business

Bob Germaine, CEO, of Regional Development Australia- Sydney, based in Parramatta, outlined the strategic importance of Liverpool as a regional city at the organisation’s second financial and professional business services workshop in the city. “Liverpool is to be the capital and right at the top end of Sydney’s south-west,” he said in the Liverpool Champion. A third workshop is expected to be held at a latter date in the city. RDA-Sydney has conducted similar workshops in locations across the metropolitan area to attract finance and business activities

Parramatta. Sydney in 3D

Parramatta-based Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sydney, in conjunction with stakeholder groups has launched Virtual Sydney; a 3D interactive planning model that captures the entire Sydney Metropolitan area. The project provides a practical 3D model for metropolitan area that can be used to demonstrate and communicate the potential uses and benefits of ‘whole of city’ concept planning to key staff across federal, state and local government. “This is the first 3D model in Australia that encompasses the whole of Sydney region as opposed to just the CBD.,” said chair of Regional Development Australia Sydney, Alan Pendleton.

Region. Lack of business voice

A submission to the NSW Government’s Professional Services Industry Action Plan by the Parramatta-based RDA Sydney, said concerns in the consultation process were raised about the lack of a unified business voice for Western Sydney.

Although there are a number of small chambers of commerce, it was felt that there was a need for a coordinating body to get partners together to work on strategic local economic development drivers, the submission said.

RDA Sydney is one of 55 voluntary committees across Australia working in partnership with federal, state and local governments to strengthen regional communities.

Region. Plan to win contracts

The NSW Government has appointed a former Chief of Army and Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, to help target business opportunities for the state's defence industry. He will work closely with NSW Trade & Investment, the Commonwealth and NSW Business Chamber to promote NSW defence capabilities and target contract opportunities. A website promoting the Sydney Aerospace and Defence Interest Group (SADIG) is currently being developed and will be launched in early 2012, following a meeting of the group, organised by the Parramatta-based Regional Development Australia – Sydney, to secure contracts.

Region. Call to prioritise issues

Regional Development Australia – Sydney (RDA Sydney), based in Parramatta, brought together representatives from councils and stakeholders to conduct an information session on the Australian Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF), and gather input into the update of RDA Sydney’s 2011 Regional Plan. Executive officer, Bob Germaine, said RDA Sydney’s role was to prioritise issues, which were not yet being addressed and develop long-term strategies and activities, in partnership with key stakeholders. Transport, infrastructure, skills development, jobs closer to home and health and aged care were among the issues raised.

Region. Regional plan available

The Regional Development Australia Committee, RDA Sydney, based in Parramatta, has published Sydney’s Regional Plan providing important perspectives on the economic, environmental and social status of Sydney’s regions. RDA Sydney has seven projects underway: Aerospace & Defence, Financial & Professional Business Services, Health, Aged & Community Care, Homelessness, Manufacturing & Engineering, Sustainability and Transport & Logistics. RDA Sydney is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW State Governments, to advance sustainable economic development and social equity within Sydney’s Regions.

Parramatta. Challenges facing growth

A seminar to consider the challenges facing the growth of the Parramatta CBD as a major centre, both regionally and internationally, for the finance and professional services sector, will be held in Parramatta on February 16. Other events will be held in Norwest, Penrith and Liverpool. The events are organised by the Parramatta-based RDA Sydney, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW State Governments, to advance sustainable economic development and social equity within the Sydney region.

Region. RDA Sydney yet to go online

Maxine McKew, Parliamentary Secretary for infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, told a workshop of local government GMs and officers, in Penrith, that Regional Development Australia (RDA) was a network of 55 committees established to engage with local communities to grow and strengthen Australia’s regions. RDA committees were contributing to regional planning by developing their own “regional roadmaps”, she said. The RDA website notes 14 RDAs were set up NSW last year, five of which, including RDA Sydney (including Western Sydney), have yet to set up websites publicising their role and activities. Membership of RDA Sydney includes: Alan Pendleton, chair, Roy Medich, deputy chair, and members Carole Maher, Lesley McMahon,, Dr Mano Nugapitiya, Frank Oliveri, Professor Phillip O’Neill, Fr Chris Riley Committee, Aaron Rule, Josefa Sobzski, Marcus Testoni and Mary Waterford. RDA Sydney will host the 2010 Western Sydney Manufacturing Leaders Forum, at Sydney Olympic Park, on May 3.