Penrith City Council has called for action to be taken on the NSW government’s Sydney Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036, which will integrate transport and land use planning across the greater Sydney basin.

 

Penrith Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jim Aitken said that Penrith City had played its part in housing Sydney’s development through decades of growth and was now calling on the government to fulfil its obligations by delivering infrastructure and services.

 

“Both the State Government’s own long term planning strategy and the people of greater Western Sydney recognise and use Penrith as a regional centre, but it’s time for more action on the ground,” he said.

 

The Sydney Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036, released late last year, updates the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy (2005) and confirms Penrith as the Regional City for the North-West Subregion.

 

 “Future population growth targeted for the region surrounding Penrith City brings many challenges as well as opportunities; however infrastructure delivery is a significant issue for us. We need the State Government to step up and fund transport, better roads and local jobs now,” Cr Aitken said.

 

Targets have been set in the Metropolitan Plan for Penrith including increased public transport use, improved links with the North West and South West Growth Centre and 31,000 new jobs by 2036.

 

“Council takes the position that this jobs target is not high enough and has set a target of 40,000 new jobs by 2031. Council established the Penrith Business Alliance to achieve this objective.

 

“The Metropolitan Plan is an important document that will help inform the public and private sectors of potential development opportunities and likely state infrastructure commitments. We do want to see more and will continue to speak out strongly about what the City needs to succeed.”

 

In the lead up to the State election, Council embarked on an advocacy program, highlighting the preferred future for this City, grouped into four themes:

  • Jobs – working closer to home, providing opportunities and services for all residents
  • Lifestyle – ensuring residents don’t have to travel to enjoy rich cultural experiences. Protecting the natural environments we all value and making it easier to be active and healthy in and around the City.
  • Connections – Making a Regional City that’s accessible and ensuring people can easily get to where they want to go.
  • Regional Centres – Capturing the full potential of the City.

 

“Most of the investment we need in these priority areas is outside our control in local government,” Cr Aitken said.

 

“Council is committed to getting the best outcomes for Penrith City residents and we will advocate loud and strong and continually until that is achieved.