Councillors off to Europe as part of Aerotropolis ‘study tour’
Two Penrith councillors will jet off on an international trip at the taxpayers’ expense to learn more about overseas airports.
Penrith
Don't miss out on the headlines from Penrith. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two Penrith councillors will make a trip to Europe next year in an effort to promote investment opportunities in the new western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Councillors passed a motion for Mayor Ross Fowler and Cr John Thain to attend a study trip to the UK and the Netherlands early next year in relation to the planned Western Parkland City.
The duo will join Western Sydney Minister and Penrith state Liberal MP Stuart Ayres and members of other western Sydney councils.
Costings are not available for the trip at this stage, given a final itinerary hasn’t been confirmed.
However, a council spokesman says the trip will be paid for out of funds available within the financial management reserve.
A tentative itinerary in council documents indicates the councillors will visit Manchester, Sheffield and Amsterdam as part of the tour.
Mr Ayres said part of the tour will be a visit to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and University in Sheffield as well as the Schiphol Airport.
“The Western Parkland City, City Deal and Aerotropolis have combined to create one of the most dynamic economic development precincts in the world,” he said.
“International trade missions have been a raging success in attracting investment and attention to western Sydney.
“Councils should be given the opportunity to leverage these relationships to deliver better outcomes for their residents.”
Council documents say the visit to Sheffield provides an opportunity to learn about the economic redevelopment of this region, and “how academia and industry are partnering to ensure local residents have the skills and qualifications required for emerging jobs in advanced manufacturing”.
Similarly, the visit to Amsterdam will include an examination on how agri-tech, agri-logistics and agri-science has worked in the Netherlands, and the lessons that may be applied throughout the Western Parkland City.
In addition to expected airfares, councillors will also require appropriate insurance police to provide cover while on the overseas tour.
Penrith council has been contacted for comment.