Sydney’s Industrious Future

The industrial sector will change over the next 20 years with the pressure of growth and technological innovation changing the industry.

The Industrial Outlook heard from Greater Sydney Commission Economic Commissioner and Deputy Chief Commissioner Geoff Roberts on the key opportunities and challenges for industrial property across Sydney.

A key area of discussion was the high growth areas in West and South West Sydney and the Priority Growth Area surrounding the new Western Sydney Airport – a central focus of the Western Sydney City Deal.

“Industrial property has always provided the jobs for large segments of the community as well as the logistical facilities needed to keep Sydney globally competitive,” Property Council NSW Executive Director Jane Fitzgerald said.

“With a growing population and the need to provide housing and jobs for this population, we need to find a balance between residential, commercial and industrial land.”

“In recent years, industrial land has been squeezed across Sydney as more houses are built close to ports, airports and other key transport corridors – it’s important that as we progress strategic planning in Sydney we protect and expand industrial land.”

“An important part of this process will be integrating industrial land and the needs of freight transport with new transport links such as WestConnex and intermodal terminals.” 

Andrew Simons, National Manager of Industrial Projects and Development for Charter Hall, said industrial land is an integral part of a successful economic future for Sydney.

“Industrial property performs an integral role in supply chains that keep Sydney ticking – at a time when new property and uses are sharing traditional industrial land we need to find a balanced and flexible approach to land use.

“Working with the NSW Government and the Greater Sydney Commission, the industry can find a strategic way forward that allows for the growth in industrial land and the demand for new housing and other land uses.”