Cumberland Council calls for Kaufland, other major companies to run businesses in area
The closure of Big W and other businesses has prompted a western Sydney council to take action to keep its residents employed.
Parramatta
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Big Box retailers will be approached to establish businesses and boost employment in the Cumberland region.
Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou called for a report into attracting outlets such as Kaufland after Big W revealed plans to close its Auburn store in January.
He said the closure, along with the recent demise of Lonsdale sports goods store in Merrylands and Coles Auburn, showed fewer specialist retail outlets had adversely affected job numbers in the community.
But he believes Cumberland has a lot to attract major companies.
“As stated in recent media announcements very large warehouse-style retailers such as Kaufland and other large international companies, primarily in the manufacturing sector, are searching for suitable locations in Sydney,’’ he said.
“As a geographic centre of Sydney, Cumberland is poised as a suitable location to many suitable employment opportunities and as a council we should explore such possibilities for a strong, local economy.”
Cr Christou said Greater Sydney Commission and industry reports cited a shortage of employment land for industrial use.
Councillor Greg Cummings supported the mayor’s request and said the region lost “millions of rates” from Silverwater and Sydney Olympic Park precinct when Auburn lost the suburbs to Parramatta Council in the 2016 amalgamations.
Last week, the council asked for a report that would help identify land within the region that can be rezoned for suitable employment and to approach companies such Kaufland to consider the Cumberland area as a prime position for outlets.
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