Council welcomes universities’ vision for Western Sydney

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer has welcomed the release of the University of Sydney and Western Sydney University’s vision for Greater Parramatta and the Olympic Peninsula (GPOP).

The report card, released today, notes the region has developed beyond expectations in recent years and presents one of the biggest growth opportunities in Australia.

The City’s population is expected to double over the next 20 years, and by 2036, Western Sydney will be home to more than three million people – twice Adelaide’s current population.

Cr Dwyer said while there is much to be proud of, he agrees there is more to do to ensure the City of Parramatta fulfils its role as Greater Sydney’s central hub of services, infrastructure and jobs.          

“With the region experiencing unprecedented growth, now is not the time to lift the foot off the investment pedal,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Council stands ready to work closely with government, business, institutions and the community to realise the full potential of Sydney’s Central City.”

Cr Dwyer echoes the report’s call for better collaboration between all three levels of government and industry, and sustained investment in the region. A key priority of Council is the delivery of an integrated transport network.

Sydney Metro West and Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 are critical pieces of infrastructure that are needed to better connect job centres and areas of growth, including Westmead, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.

Completing the missing transport links identified in the NSW Government’s Future Transport Strategy 2056, including Parramatta to Epping, Parramatta to the Aerotropolis, Parramatta to Norwest, and Parramatta to Kogarah via Bankstown, are also key priorities, he said.

“The only way to unlock the region’s potential as Sydney’s Central City is by working together and focusing on delivering the vision we share,” Cr Dwyer said.