Camden Council is calling for renewed focus on delivering the infrastructure needed to support one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
The calls have come following renewed public discussion around the pressures facing Western Sydney's growth corridors. Recent commentary, including the opinion piece entitled It's the epicentre of Sydney's growth, with ambition and opportunity for all. But there's one thing missing in the Sydney Morning Herald has highlighted the challenge facing outer metropolitan communities where housing growth is rapidly outpacing infrastructure investment to be able to travel outside the area for work.
Through its ongoing advocacy campaign, The Time Is Now, Council continues to call for urgent investment from the State and Federal Governments into hospitals, schools, roads and public transport in the Camden area.
Council is also advocating for greater investment in employment lands, business precincts and supporting infrastructure to ensure jobs grow alongside housing in Camden. This will allow residents to effectively travel outside the area for their employment, but also afford them the choice and opportunity to work closer to home.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said Camden welcomed the growth to come for Camden but stressed infrastructure delivery must keep pace with the community's needs.
"Camden is proud to be at the heart of Western Sydney's future, but our residents deserve the roads, public transport, schools and health services to match that growth," she said.
"We're one of the fastest-growing local government areas in the state. Our population is projected to surge by 81 per cent, reaching over 257,000 residents by 2046.
"Camden cannot continue to carry the burden of growth without the timely delivery of critical infrastructure. Our community is doing its part in helping deliver Sydney's future housing and economic growth and, pardon the pun, but the time is now for the necessary critical infrastructure, education and healthcare to be delivered to support our thriving community.
"Residents come to Camden for the opportunities this area can offer and this should not come at a cost of lacking infrastructure to get to work or the option of local employment. Public transport needs serious attention - Camden, and our surrounding areas, have fewer services, longer waits and longer trips. Our residents often have no choice but to drive, which is costly and takes a long time. It's not a fair or effective way to work.
"Ensuring Camden's voice is heard at all levels of government and across key industries is essential. We will continue to call for immediate investment to keep our region liveable, sustainable and prepared for the future."
For more information on Council's advocacy program, The Time Is Now, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/advocacy
