“GWS-2050”: A Vision to Future-Proof the Region Christopher Brown AM Chairman, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Two years ago the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue was established to: - Raise awareness and stimulate debate on key issues in Greater Western Sydney - Provide and encourage interaction between key influencers and decision-makers - Demonstrate leadership and action on major projects and in sensitive policy areas We’ve had some success… - Campaigned for infrastructure investment: - Staged major regional policy events and promoted local talent and reputation ✓ - Cabinet support for Badgerys Creek ✓ - Championed local government reform ✓ - Light rail connecting Westmead, Parramatta and Olympic Park and heavy-rail - Advocated for revitalisation of Liverpool, line connecting north-south and airport ✓ Campbelltown & Blacktown city centres ✓ - Flood mitigation for Warragamba Dam ✓ - Pushed for WSU campus, Dept Planning & NAB to locate in Parramatta Square ✓ - $1b+ for ANZ & Parramatta Stadiums and relocation of Powerhouse Museum ✓ - One planning body across Govt (GSC) ✓ What’s next? - Future-proofing this dynamic growth region, from Olympic Park to Katoomba and from Windsor to Wollondilly. - GWS-2050 will examine ‘over-the- INSERT WS MAP horizon’ projects, initiatives, policies and actions required for a efficient, liveable, prosperous, and sustainable region. - It will look beyond today’s ‘catch-up’ approach to ensure we cater for, and shape, future growth. Working closely with our Partners, our Regional Collaborators and our Stakeholders, GWS-2050 will: - Respond to current Government and private sector plans to shape policy - Host events, seminars and policy forums to enable a wide dialogue with community - Address the challenges and leverage the opportunities to future-proof the region GWS-2050 Six Pillars: 1. A Connected Western Sydney 2. A Productive Western Sydney 3. A Liveable & Sustainable Western Sydney 4. A Smart & Savvy Western Sydney 5. A Well-Governed Western Sydney 6. A Cohesive Western Sydney Building a Connected Western Sydney - North/South Rail via Badgerys Creek - WestMetro Rail (CBD-Parra-Penrith) - PLR II - Western Sydney Airport’s 2nd runway - East Coast Fast Rail - Drones and Driverless vehicles - Next Generation internet coverage Creating a Productive Western Sydney - Addressing the 300,000 jobs deficit - Transition from traditional to future industries we can call our own –advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, finance & public admin - Health & Education as economic drivers - A GWS World Trade Centre, regional CBD’s …. no more suburban business parks A Liveable & Sustainable Western Sydney - CBD Amenity as an attractor for investment - Building the GWS ‘night-time economy’ - Not just a place to live but an arts and sports destination. C/wealth Games 2030, new stadia, gallery, lyric theatres - Connecting our green/blue grids. Cycle-ways, walkways and open space to fight ‘heat islands’ Curating A Smart & Savvy Western Sydney - Skills legacy programs embedded in all regional infrastructure projects, integrating TAFE and University programs - Emphasis on ‘STEM’ & ‘STEAM’ education - Invest in talent & mentoring to nurture the region’s future leadership class - A ‘Brand Council’ to drive regional reputation Reforming A Well-Governed Western Sydney - Direct-elect Mayors, 4-year terms, independent planning protocols & apply Lobbyist Register - Legislate the ‘City of Parramatta Act’ to formally recognise 2nd CBD, change boundaries to reflect GSC Districts, use ‘citizen data’ to plan better - Move State Parliament to the West - Extend and fund City Deals to help Councils fix CBD amenity, facilitate suburban-to-urban trend Nurturing A Cohesive Western Sydney - Equitable access to opportunity – education, work, social services & civic engagement - Ensuring the cost of living doesn’t institutionalise the “have-nots” & overburden our safety net - Migration/population: ensure growth is inclusive, and address community caution about change - New approaches to persistent and complex law & order issues: radicalisation, drug & alcohol abuse 2030 Commonwealth Games - NSW Govt to establish exploratory committee, conduct a business case and engage business & community - Low cost event, with most event infrastructure already built. Money saved to be allocated to transport projects - Celebrate & promote opening of Badgerys Creek Airport & associated transport and tourism projects - To be centred on Olympic Park with satellite events and venues throughout Greater Western Sydney - Opportunities to renew areas such as Green Valley, Camellia or Mt Druitt to construct Athletes’ Village, as per 2000 Olympics … but with affordable housing legacy.