Camden Council says the 2026/27 NSW State Budget has failed to deliver the transport, road and healthcare infrastructure needed to support one of the state's fastest-growing communities.
Despite Camden's population reaching 146,483 residents as of June 2025 and growing at almost three times the rate of Greater Sydney, the Budget does not provide significant investment in the key projects Council identified as priorities in its pre-budget submission.
With Camden's population forecast to exceed 256,000 residents by 2046, growth is already placing significant pressure on roads, transport networks and health services, creating challenges for existing residents and highlighting the need for urgent infrastructure investment.
Council's submission called for funding commitments towards several critical projects, including upgrades to Rickard Road, Ingleburn Road and Raby Road, a new hospital for the region and expanded healthcare services through integrated health hubs at Oran Park and Leppington.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the Budget doesn't adequately meet Camden's infrastructure needs.
"Camden is growing at almost three times the rate of Greater Sydney, yet this Budget does not deliver the level of investment needed to support our current and future residents," she said.
"Our community is already experiencing increasing pressure on roads, transport networks and health services. These challenges are affecting us right now.
"We welcome the State Government's commitment to new schools at Oran Park North and East Cobbitty, the upgrade of Spring Farm Public School, the new bus service connecting Oran Park to Western Sydney International Airport and cost-of-living relief measures for motorists, including the toll cap and reduced vehicle registration costs.
"However, these initiatives do not address the critical infrastructure challenges facing our community. A new bus service is a welcome short-term improvement, but buses still need roads to travel on. Without investment in critical road infrastructure, congestion will continue to worsen and undermine the benefits of these services.
"The Camden local government area remains without access to train services, our road network is at capacity and nearby hospitals are already operating under significant pressure. While we note continued planning for projects such as South West Sydney Rail and Stage 2 of Spring Farm Parkway, our community needs to see these projects move beyond planning and into delivery.
"As a key gateway to Western Sydney International Airport and one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, Camden needs infrastructure investment that matches its growth. We will continue advocating strongly on behalf of our residents to secure the infrastructure our community needs and deserves."
Transport connectivity remains one of the most significant challenges facing the community. The Camden local government area continues to be the largest urban centre in metropolitan Sydney without access to train services, while approximately 65 per cent of local workers travel outside the local government area for employment, increasing reliance on private vehicles and placing growing pressure on major road corridors.
Council has also consistently highlighted Camden's strategic role within Western Sydney and its importance in supporting access to Western Sydney International Airport and surrounding employment precincts. Without significant investment in transport infrastructure, the region's ability to support future growth and economic activity will be increasingly constrained.
Healthcare infrastructure remains another major concern. Existing hospitals servicing Camden residents, including Campbelltown and Liverpool Hospitals, are already experiencing significant demand pressures, while Camden Hospital has recognised limitations in both capacity and service provision. Council maintains that a new hospital and expanded health services in growth areas such as Oran Park and Leppington are essential to meeting both current and future demand.
For more information on Council's advocacy efforts, and the key priorities for the Camden area, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/advocacy
