Bradfield Oration 2021:Interconnected cities vision expands to Newcastle and Wollongong

Premier Dominic Perrottet has outlined his future vision for NSW, including an expansion of the 'three cities' vision, a mindset shift for Sydney's west, and ideas for making Sydney 'liveable, workable and beautiful'. See how the 2021 Bradfield Oration unfolded.

Premier Dominic Perrottet will appoint a new Cities Minister to oversee the expansion of Sydney's vision of being three interlocked cities to it being six interlocked cities, encompassing Newcastle and the Central Coast to the north and Wollongong to its south.
 

The vision expands on Lucy Turnbull’s idea of Sydney being a city of three interconnected cities - an Eastern Harbour City, the Central Parramatta River City and a Western City.

Mr Perrottet has announced that Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong will also be included in this strategy.

“These are cities already undergoing rapid change and revitalisation. They have been the industrial workhorses of the past. And they should continue on their  trajectory to become future focused precincts of tomorrow.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet with guests inside the Sydney Opera House before the Bradfield Oration 2021 is delivered. Picture: Richard Dobson

Jobs growth and advanced manufacturing will also be championed by a new Department of Enterprise and Investment with a dedicated Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

Jobs growth and advanced manufacturing will be championed by a new Department of Enterprise and Investment with a dedicated Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Daily Telegraph editor Ben English at the 2021 Daily Telegraph Bradfield Oration on Thursday. Picture: Richard Dobson

Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the departmental shake-up in The Daily Telegraph’s Bradfield Oration at the Opera House.

The new Minister will be appointed - alongside a Minister for Cities - when Premier Dominic Perrottet reshuffles his cabinet in coming weeks.

Jessica Mauboy, who performed at the 2021 Daily Telegraph Bradfield Oration at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Minister’s role will be “to channel home grown into economic opportunities for the future,” the Premier said.

A Modern Manufacturing Commissioner will also be appointed to turbocharge advanced manufacturing.

Guests Deeta Colvin and Michael Cassel at 2021 Bradfield Oration at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Richard Dobson

“The Commissioner’s role will be to identify local research and ideas that we can turn into manufacturing opportunities - and ultimately, jobs for our people,” Mr Perrottet said.

The commissioner will be supported by a taskforce led by Tony Shepherd.

 

Guests Dr Catriona Wallace and Ann Sherry at 2021 Daily Telegraph Bradfield Oration at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Opportunities in advanced manufacturing are driven by research,” Mr Perrottet said in the Bradfield Oration.

"And research is one of our state’s hidden superpowers.”

“NSW is home to some of the world’s leading universities and research institutes. 

“But too frequently we see our homegrown ideas falter or flee elsewhere for lack of local support,” he said.

“So we will establish a new Department of Enterprise and Investment.”

 “And within that department I will appoint a Minister for Science, Research and Innovation - to channel our home grown research into economic opportunities for the future.”