Penrith Council’s Director, City Futures, Kylie Powell was part of the expert panel at UDIA's first Sydney lunch for the year, discussing how the new Western Sydney Airport will unlock Sydney's global potential. Kylie joined WSACo's Chief Executive Officer Graham Millet, Western City and Aerotropolis Authority CEO Sam Sangster and Director Planning Partnership Andrew Jackson to outline how the three levels of government are working together in the Western Parkland City, particularly through the City Deal.
Kylie also shared Penrith’s New West vision and said she feels privileged to be working in Western Sydney at such an important time. She highlighted how important connectivity to the airport is, particularly continued investment in North South Rail, in embedding the airport in Western Sydney.
In her words: "The spotlight is firmly on Western Sydney, from investors as well as government, and we are taking advantage of this once in a generation opportunity to ensure the airport, in conjunction with North South Rail, provides access to jobs, diverse housing, education, services and green space within just 30 minutes by public transport."
Pictured: Kylie Powell, panelist at the UDIA's ‘Aerotropolis: Greater Sydney’s Global Potential’ lunch with Director, Planning Partnership Andrew Jackson (left) and UDIA Chief Executive Steve Mann.
Western Sydney University plan their “Flight Path”
Western Sydney University’s (WSU) last week unveiled its strategy for maximising the social, cultural and economic benefits of the Western Sydney Airport. Flight Path outlines WSU’s vision for the "Aerotropolis Edge Cities" - including Penrith - and highlights the airport's importance in leveraging the jobs divide between the West and greater Sydney.
Heavily focussed on the jobs of tomorrow, WSU is looking to show how a new network can be strengthened through partnerships with other universities and education providers in highly–accessible, industry-themed and technology–rich areas.
As Australia's third largest economy, Western Sydney is leading the way thanks to the ever increasing investment and expansion of the region, in particular the Penrith area.
Pictured: WSU Flight Path cover
First stage of North South Rail on track
Recently the Federal and NSW State Liberal governments have reaffirmedover $5 billion towards Stage One of the North South Rail, linking Western Sydney Airport and Aerotropolis to St Marys.
Council has been advocating for the North South Rail Link for many years, recognising the significant opportunities to support more jobs, closer to home for our residents and the potential to deliver Council's long-held vision of a 30-minute city.
Labor has also committed to have rail connecting the airport to Sydney’s rail network from the day it opens and Council will continue to work with State and Federal Government and the State and Federal opposition to ensure bipartisan support for this critical infrastructure ahead of the upcoming elections.
With the areas of development opening up through the North South Rail corridor, the time is ripe for investment with the region. More information on opportunities in the New West can be found here.
Pictured: Sydney Train, Transport for NSW
Penrith partners with Strong Australia
Last week the Business Council of Australia, in conjunction with the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, held a Strong Australia lunch event at Panthers Stadium.
The panel members included BHP chief executive Andrew Mackenzie, Western Sydney Airport chief executive Graham Millett and Western Sydney University assistant vice-chancellor Prof. Andy Marks, who discussed how the support of the business community can be extended across Australia.
As a strong area of business creation and support, and with one of the longest running Chambers’ of Commerce in NSW, Penrith is making its mark as the heartland of the Western Parkland City.
Pictured: Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM, Sky News Political Editor David Speers, Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott AO, WSU Vice Chancellor Andy Marks, Andrew Mackenzie, CEO of BHP, Business Council of Australia President Grant King, WSACo’s Graham Millet and Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce President Simon Gould.
Investment in the growing New West
Council has recently received the following development applications:
● Alterations and Additions to the south-west portion of the Westfield Penrith Shopping Centre known as the 'Mondo Precinct' at No. 569-595 High Street, Penrith - estimated total cost of work $10,590,920.
● Demolition & Multi Dwelling Housing at No. 126 Glossop St, St Marys - estimated total cost of work $1.8 million.
● Multi dwelling housing - Construction of 4 x Two Storey Townhouses & Strata Title Subdivision into 4 Lots at No. 18 Morris St, St Marys - estimated total cost of work $910,000.
Pictured: Artist's impression of the new Mondo Dining Precinct
A city of pride and progress; a region of opportunity, connected to the markets and infrastructure of tomorrow. Penrith is the lifestyle and economic heartland for the new Western Sydney Airport and Aerotropolis. We are advancing industry and employment with unrivalled liveability, skilled workers and natural attractions.
