Western Sydney tipped to revive Australian manufacturing industry

WESTERN Sydney is poised to be the saviour of the manufacturing industry — creating new jobs and ushering in a “fourth industrial revolution” by focusing on products like smart phones, drones and driverless­ cars.

Manufacturing in Western Sydney: Mechanical engineering students at Western Sydney University's Kingswood campus Peter Lendrum and Toni Pearcey pictured at a robotic assembly workshop. Picture: Toby Zerna

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WESTERN Sydney is poised to be the saviour of the manufacturing industry — creating new jobs and ushering in a “fourth industrial revolution” by focusing on products like smart phones, drones and driverless­ cars.

A new report to be launched today by Greater Sydney Commissioner Lucy Turnbull says while manufacturing has been in decline across Australia since the early 2000s, the industry can return to the “glory days” if it starts producing technology based products in the area.

Greater Sydney Commission chief commissioner Lucy Turnbull. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Authored by Western Sydney University and the Committee for Sydney, the report says the region’s history as a manufacturing hub, boom­ing population and young workforce are massive advantages.

Mrs Turnbull told The Daily Telegraph advancing the manufacturing sector would play a crucial role in the region’s economic growth.

“Advanced manufacturing doesn’t exist on its own — it fosters investment in innovation, research and development and the industry can develop close links to our universities,” she said.

“The Western and Central cities, and in particular the Greater Parramatta to Olympic Park region and future Western Sydney Airport corridors, are recognised as existing and ­future manufacturing leaders in NSW, with some already well-developed specialisations in the sector.”

Committee for Sydney dir­ector of advocacy James Hulme said while people were concerned­ about automation taking jobs, if used correctly the technology could actually create more high-skilled employment.

“We’re not going to get back to the days of building ships on Cockatoo Island, but there is a future in advanced manufacturing and that’s what we need to focus on,” Mr Hulme told The Daily Telegraph.

“The report highlights the opportunity for Western Sydney to start producing goods associ­ated with digital technology like smart phones, computers, technology associated with ­renewable energy, hi-tech transport technology and stuff like autonomous vehicles and drones.

“This is stuff German, Korea and Japan have been producing and there’s an opp­ortunity for Western Sydney to adapt to the technology.”

Mr Hulme said the number of small manufacturing companies in the area involved in products such as software, data analytics and automation would also help drive the sector.

The Western Sydney airport would also help encourage businesses in the area.