Camden Council joined South West Sydney leaders, NSW Ministers and Members of Parliament at a NSW Parliamentary Reception yesterday, calling for greater investment in rail infrastructure to support the region's rapid growth.
The event, which was held at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday 23 September, brought together government, business and community leaders to discuss the infrastructure needed to support the region's growing population and economy. It also saw the launch of new research developed by the South West Sydney Alliance with Astrolabe and CBRE, making the case for urgent rail investment across South West Sydney.
The research highlighted the need for NSW Government investment to support new homes, employment centres and improved liveability across the region.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Vince Ferreri, said Camden's rapid population growth made investment in transport infrastructure increasingly urgent.
"Camden is growing and we're not slowing down. We are now home to more than 147,000 people, with our population expected to exceed 256,000 by 2046.
"But growth without infrastructure brings enormous challenges. Our roads are under pressure, our public transport options have not kept pace with our population, and too many residents are travelling outside the region every day for work, education and other opportunities.
"We can't keep building homes without building the infrastructure that makes those communities work. We need a commitment to deliver the Macarthur Metro from Bradfield, through Oran Park and Narellan, to Macarthur and Campbelltown. This essential rail project would connect our growing communities with Western Sydney International Airport and the jobs and opportunities emerging around Bradfield.
"It would help attract investment and jobs into Camden and the broader Macarthur region, so more residents can work closer to home, while supporting greater housing choice and diversity by connecting our growing centres to high-capacity public transport.
"People living in South West Sydney should have access to the same quality of public transport as people living elsewhere in our city. As our population grows, investment in jobs, services and infrastructure must grow with it.
"The population, homes and jobs are coming. The decision facing the South West is whether the infrastructure comes with them. When we invest in South West Sydney, we are investing in the future productivity, liveability and prosperity of Greater Sydney and New South Wales."
The South West Sydney Alliance research notes that Camden, Campbelltown and Liverpool are already home to almost 700,000 people, with the region projected to reach one million residents by 2046. It also highlights the region's significant economic contribution, with its economy generating approximately $43.5 billion in 2025.
The research calls for a Commonwealth-NSW partnership to progress current business cases into a funded, staged rail delivery program, including connections that would better link South West growth corridor with the new airport and Bradfield.
