Jobs being funnelled into Western Sydney: Brad Hazzard
With more than $12 billion in state and regionally significant development projects approved in Sydney’s west over the 2012/2013 financial year, the government’s plan to funnel 50% of all new Sydney jobs to the west appears to be working.
Part of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s 2012/2013 report, tabled this week, planning minister Brad Hazzard noted Sydney’s west as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the state’s economic fortune.
“Government and private sector investment in infrastructure, employment and housing puts Western Sydney in the driver’s seat to make NSW Number one again,” said Hazzard.
“Projects approved in Western Sydney last year were worth more than the total value of all other State significant projects across the rest of NSW combined.”
These projects will produce 4,000 full time jobs and 21,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction phases.
Highlights were said to include the Broader Western Sydney Employment Area Structure Plan, with 57,000 jobs predicted over a 30 year period and rezoning land to allow three major retail and development hubs at Penrith, Narellan and Liverpool.
The construction sector is also receiving a boost, particularly in the housing area.
“Housing approvals in Western Sydney during 2012-13 made up 49 per cent of all housing approvals across Sydney,” said Hazzard.
“The new planning system currently before the Upper House will directly support an additional 2,000 jobs in Western Sydney in the residential construction industry.”