Gladys Berejiklian: We must focus on building a prosperous Western Sydney
WHAT is happening in Western Sydney today is truly extraordinary. This community has always been at the heart of our state and nation. But in 2018 Western Sydney is booming like never before says Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Project Sydney
Don't miss out on the headlines from Project Sydney. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WHAT is happening in Western Sydney today is truly extraordinary. This community has always been at the heart of our state and nation. But in 2018 Western Sydney is booming like never before.
Since 2011, government and business working together have created almost 200,000 new jobs in Western Sydney — more than the whole of Queensland and more than Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania put together.
Western Sydney is home to 25 per cent of the population of NSW — but it is creating 40 per cent of all new jobs in NSW.
We want everyone in Western Sydney to have the chance to reach their potential and thrive. And we are especially focused on the next generation in Western Sydney.
That’s why I was proud to announce last night at the Project Sydney — Go West Gala Dinner plans to create at least 4000 new jobs for apprentices over the next four years, with huge numbers of them to be employed on our major infrastructure projects in the West.
We are investing heavily not just in schools but, critically, in vocational education and skills as well.
I am proud to lead a government that has always put Western Sydney front and centre. For too long, this region was neglected by state governments, with no plans and no investment for the future.
Since 2011, we have worked non-stop to turn that around, and unleash the West’s amazing potential.
We are investing an unprecedented $23 billion in major infrastructure for Western Sydney. That is more than twice as much as Victoria will spend on its entire state this year.
These are mega projects that will change lives by transforming the way people travel — from WestConnex to Parramatta Light Rail and fast Metro rail to the West and South West — on top of more than 130 local roads upgrades since 2011 alone.
But it is not just about public transport and roads for Western Sydney. To deliver world-class local education, we have invested more than $1.5 billion to open or upgrade more than 60 Western Sydney schools, with almost 70 more to come.
To deliver world-class local healthcare, we have invested a record $4.9 billion in Western Sydney hospitals, including Nepean, Westmead, Blacktown and Mt Druitt, Campbelltown and Liverpool.
Our $700 million investment in Blacktown alone compares to an average of just $8 million a year of total investment in health infrastructure in Western Sydney before 2011.
This historic infrastructure program is not just improving services, tackling congestion and creating jobs directly, it is driving business to invest and create jobs in their own right.
We will never take a backward step in delivering the economic growth and jobs that will shape Western Sydney’s future.
But we are just as committed to strengthening Western Sydney’s vibrant culture and lifestyle, making it an even better place to live.
We have made Western Sydney central to our stadiums and sports strategy — including securing the NRL Grand Final for another 22 years and bidding for other major global events.
We have confirmed that we will relocate and expand the Powerhouse to give the West a science museum to rival the world’s best in the United States and Europe.
At the same time, we are making sure that we ease the pressure of the cost of living and help more Western Sydney families get ahead — from relief on tolls and energy costs to vouchers for school sports and stamp duty cuts to help young people get on the housing ladder.
Western Sydney is already Australia’s fourth-largest city and third-largest economy — a powerhouse of our state and nation — but the truth is there is no limit to what it can become.
We have made incredible progress since 2011.
But there is much more to do, and as Premier I will never rest in building a strong future for the people of Western Sydney today, and for future generations.