NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has declared western Sydney is the “engine room” driving the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Perrottet spoke to Parra News ahead of the upcoming State Budget, which is to be delivered on May 11.
“Western Sydney is doing well, it’s been a difficult 12 months and it isn’t just about recovering, but transforming the way we do things, and we are getting positive feedback from businesses in terms of how they are going,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want western Sydney to be the best place to live, work, run a business, raise a family in the country, and that means we need to invest.”
As a part of the Budget, residents can expect to see a continued investment into western Sydney, as it continues to grow.
“What you will see is investment in infrastructure, schools, and all the works we have set out to do will continue,” he said.
“Road infrastructure in western Sydney is also crucial as we want to make sure everyone can access that and public transport to get home to their families faster”.
Not confirming whether funding would be allocated in the Budget for Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail project, Mr Perrottet said the issue is in the court of Transport Minister, Andrew Constance.
“When it comes to the infrastructure statement, I will consider all the bids that have been put forward, but I am awaiting Andrew’s submission to come through,” he said.
“Questions in terms of that project are better directed to him but we will continue to invest record amounts in Parramatta with things such as schools and the Powerhouse Museum.”
Mr Perrottet said the government was strongly committed to delivering the Powerhouse Parramatta, despite the community’s effort to save historic home Willow Grove, which is set to be dismantled and relocated to another site in the area. He said in reality, it was a cost of progress.
“As we grow our three cities vision with Sydney, Parramatta and the Aerotropolis, all three and surrounding areas need to not only have the best access to public transport, road infrastructure, health and education but the best cultural investments as well,” he said.
“Willow Grove is a challenging issue but if you are building things and getting on with the job and taking the state forward you naturally will have some issues along the way, but that is a better issue to have than the issue of no problems for doing nothing.”
