Campbelltown’s justice precinct could be key to boosting jobs for city’s future

Parramatta is a bustling hub of jobs and business, a reality strengthened by years of government investment with employment hubs. City leaders are calling for similar investment in Campbelltown.

Artist impression of the proposed South West Sydney Justice precinct.

Campbelltown has missed out on investment in jobs, with city leaders calling on the government to look at opportunities boost the future workforce.

Today, the Future Cities Campbelltown forum will dive deep into the future’s workforces and analyse the pathways for employment and future industries.

For Campbelltown mayor George Greiss, who will deliver a keynote speech, one of the critical ways to create more jobs was the construction of a new justice precinct, including new courthouses and other facilities.

The site is opposite Campbelltown train station and currently accommodates facilities such as Campbelltown Courthouse.

Dr Greiss said the precinct could increase employment opportunities by 70 per cent and while the masterplan was in the works, council was still waiting for commitment from both levels of governments.

Aerial images of Campbelltown Hospital. Health is one of the biggest industries in Campbelltown. Picture: Craig Willoughby SKYview Aerial

Dr Greiss said Campbelltown needed government investment and pointed out the example of Parramatta.

“It wasn’t until the NSW Police Department, the new taxation department and a whole variety of government departments moved there that Parramatta became a city that we know today,” he said. “It’s about time we get similar investment here in Campbelltown.”

Campbelltown Council’s general manager Lindy Deitz said government departments needed to be the leader as it would encourage other businesses.

“So it stimulates coffee shops, private lawyers, law firms etc.,” Ms Deitz said. “Campbelltown hasn’t had that investment of government jobs.”

Committee for Sydney CEO Eamon Waterford said to stop “the brain drain” providing other amenities worth living in Campbelltown was essential.

“We can be smart about bringing good jobs to the Campbelltown region and keep them here,” he said. “It’s about making Campbelltown a destination place to live a good life, have a good career and raise a family.”

Christopher Brown.

Christopher Brown, chairman of the Campbelltown Health and Education Precinct, said Campbelltown was on track to become a high-tech employment hub with its burgeoning health and education precinct, which generated more than 30 per cent of the local jobs.

“We need to bring together industry, community and government to generate not only important health outcomes but also investment and job creation, and that’s what is starting to emerge now at Campbelltown,” Mr Brown said.

“The impending Ingham Institute Medical Research building will be a game-changer in attracting and retaining investment, driving innovation and creating skilled workers.”

Mr Brown said it would be ideal for the students rolling out of the WSU Macarthur Clinical School and TAFE to stay in the area.

“But to keep the talent, we need to provide them with the best lifestyle options,” he said.

“That means the best amenity, transport and digital connectivity to keep them growing this dynamic opportunity.”