Tuesday 19 September 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
NSW Budget is a housing winner – but more needed for Western Sydney jobs and infrastructure
Western Sydney residents feeling the pressures of housing stress are the winners of the first Budget of the Minns Government announced today, but it is critical the employment and productivity needs of Western Sydney are not ignored.
Property Council’s Western Sydney Director Ross Grove welcomed additional funding for infrastructure to support a growing regional population such as the rapid bus transit network, new public schools and additional funding allocated to Stage 2 of Parramatta Light Rail, but noted the budget falls short of providing funding certainty for full-length upgrades of Mamre Road, Elizabeth Drive and Badgerys Creek Roads – all of which are critical to delivering new employment lands and jobs closer to home.
“We know the first Budget of any new government is one of the hardest to deliver and it is pleasing to see the focus on addressing the housing crisis and addressing the chronic shortage of homes across New South Wales,” Mr Grove said.
“The good news is the government has a market-led agenda on housing supply, but we need to be careful this doesn’t come at the expense of unlocking employment lands required to support our growing population.
“Unemployment at a national level might be quite low, but there are still several patches of Western Sydney where this is not the case and this needs to be addressed by providing jobs closer to home.
“Our industry needs a plan from government to get roads and water infrastructure moving in Mamre Road and the Aerotropolis. Our members are ready and able to provide new warehouses, industries and jobs – but they simply can’t get the road capacity to make it happen.
“These areas are a goldmine when it comes to future jobs and productivity and as taxpayers we simply can’t afford to spend $13 billion on building an international airport without also delivering the employment generating activities that are required to make the most this investment.
“The Property Council looks forward to working with the Minns Government on charting a course for a city that is growing, prosperous and competitive in the years to come.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Aidan Green – 0491030028