The push for internationally renowned convention centres in the heart of Sydney’s west is among a long checklist of ambitious changes, which residents are determined to make to shape the future of their community.

An exclusive YouGov poll, commission by NewsLocal in partnership with Lendlease has revealed the biggest frustrations and ambitious proposals for the future of the west.

With Western Sydney culture and society specialist, professor James. Arvanitakis earmarking the “needs and wants for a thriving future for western Sydney”.

“Western Sydney is the multicultural heart of Australia,” prof. Arvanitakis said.

“But it has not been given the spaces to show of that diversity on the world stage.”

Prof Arvantakis supported residents calls for “an iconic series of entertainment precincts across Sydney’s west”.

“Penrith is home to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and Parramatta has Riverside Theatre, but what about Bankstown, Campbelltown, The Hills or Blacktown,” he said.

“They cannot be neglected when it comes to landmark cultural precincts.”

Prof. Arvanitakis said masterplanning of development and infrastructure should be at the forefront of governments to make the desires of residents a reality.

“The Western suburbs are known for their culture, so why isn’t Western Sydney the hub of great cultural institutions to rival the Sydney Opera House or the Hollywood Bowl,” he said.

“Sydney and its west in particular is a big ‘Tetris game’ with people trying to throw everything into limited space, so forward planning is key.”

Some of the major frustration of western Sydney resident include road congestion, with 50 per cent of respondents claiming this was the biggest issue to face communities, while a lack of parking, tolls and a lack of masterplanning also raised concerns.

Greater Sydney Commissioner Lucy Turnbull said the major hurdle Western Sydney will be forced to overcome is how to tackle the need for increased development to meet population increases — while also creating accessible cities.

“The opportunities and specialties of Greater Sydney need to be better balanced to suit all communities,” Mrs Turnbull said.

“Sydney needs to be rebalanced to create specialist hubs in cities such as Penrith, Parramatta, Liverpool and Campbelltown.”

Mrs Turnbull said she and the GSC are pushing for specialist universities to be based in western Sydney cities, and alongside hospitals to increase economic and employment opportunities.

“But another major hurdle we must face is the heat pockets that are currently taking over great parts of western Sydney,” she said.

“We need to decrease temperatures in our suburbs in any way possible, including the increase or improvement of our tree canopy.”

Western Sydney Commissioner Geoff Roberts said the Western Sydney Aerotropolis at Badgerys Creek will help establish a thriving economy.

“We need an extra 200,000 jobs to meet our targets,” he said.

“And we hope that by focusing on the pearl cities of Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool and Campbelltown — introducing global corporations and specialist STEM communities — this will be achieved.”

Mr Roberts said he hopes to see hospitals in Sydney’s South take the lead on the rising obesity epidemic, the Macarthur region focus on cancer treatment and advancements in agriculture, Penrith to specialise in robotics and microsurgery and Parramatta be established as a STEM educational hub.

Lendlease National Manager Planning Michelle Mason said the key to liveability was creating a place where people can access shops, services and jobs without having to commute.

“You should also have access to cultural and entertainment activities, which play a large role in attracting people,” she said.

“One of the things that makes Western Sydney so great is the diversity of its people. This translates into great food and cultural celebrations which provide a sense of identity to a community.

“Transport in the broader sense is essential to liveability as it connects communities. But the “what” that ties the community together can in fact be quite broad. Public transport, cycling, walking and driving all have a role to play in a well-planned region. The early delivery of innovative community buildings and spaces also stitch people together and enable the sharing of experiences.”

PASSION FOR WEST DOESN’T STOP

HOLLY Kershaw has always had a passion for education, so when she saw an opportunity to launch global event platform TEDx, she jumped at it.

The Westmead based STEM educator hopes she can help support the growth of western Sydney as a powerhouse for science and technology.

The advocate for western Sydney said her roots meant she was passionate about ensuring its future is bright.

“I grew up in Merrylands and now live in Westmead, and I work at Blacktown, so I’ve spent my whole life in the region,” she said.

“I am passionate about western Sydney because of it’s diversity — of people, cultures and places.”

BREAKING DOWN CHRONIC ILLNESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

MENTAL health and chronic illness expert Dr Emma George is determined to transform Sydney’s South West into a hub of institutions battling the health issues plaguing our community.

The health advocate, who is currently leading the Active Breed mental health program with the Canterbury Bulldogs, said she hopes her team can join other institutions to see a reduction in rates of chronic disease in Sydney’s south west.

“We can work towards this by continuing the groundbreaking clinical trial research and implementing locally-relevant, tailored programs to engage the community and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours,” she said.

“We need to ensure our research and community programs engage these communities for the promotion of health and wellbeing.”

Dr George, who conducts research at the Western Sydney University Campbelltown campus alongside South West Sydney Primary Health Network at Campbelltown, said western Sydney is facing an exponential increase in chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia.

“Some of the main risk factors for these conditions include insufficient physical activity, inadequate dietary intake and overweight and obesity and these are mostly modifiable,” she said.

“There is an immediate need for locally-relevant, accessible programs to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours and reduce the risk of these chronic conditions.

“My work, along with the work of my colleagues at Western Sydney University, aims to tackle chronic disease and improve the physical and mental health of those living in the Greater Western Sydney region.”

Dr George said sporting associations, just like the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, can play a major role in combating chronic and mental illness.

To learn more, visit activebreed.thebulldogs.com.au