Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said Sydney Water's transformation was central to delivering the state's essential infrastructure pipeline.
"Darren's track record at Hunter Water shows he understands what it takes to align infrastructure delivery with growth - that experience will be vital in Sydney, where the challenges are larger and the stakes are higher," Ms Stevenson said.
"Sydney Water is effectively our city's land release agency. Without timely investment in water infrastructure, new housing, commercial and industrial development simply cannot proceed. That's why his appointment comes at such a critical moment," she said.
The Property Council's NSW Industrial Land Supply Summit last week identified that fragmented servicing and approvals are costing Sydney dearly.
"Unless water, power, transport and planning are lined up, projects stall and costs climb. Sydney Water's role at the centre of this system means its leadership has a direct bearing on whether new homes and industrial precincts can move from plans on paper to shovels in the ground.
"Sydney's future competitiveness depends on getting this right. If Sydney Water's capital program falters, project delivery slows, investment shifts interstate and the cost of doing business rises.
"Now's the time to turn that risk into an opportunity - to coordinate infrastructure delivery, give industry greater certainty, and keep Sydney growing," Ms Stevenson said.
Next week, Property Council members will also hear directly from Darren in his current role as Managing Director of Hunter Water, where he will outline the $2.5 billion investment plan to support growth, tackle climate challenges and deliver sustainable services for the Hunter Region.
Ms Stevenson said the Property Council looked forward to building on the strong relationship already established with Darren in the Hunter, and in his new role with Sydney Water.
"We're committed to working closely with Darren and his team to make sure Sydney Water's capital program aligns with industry capacity and feasibility, so projects can move ahead with certainty.
"Cost pressures, skills shortages and funding limitations will make this role one of the most challenging in the sector - but also one of the most important," she said.
NOTE: The Property Council's Member Briefing with Darren Cleary will take place 7:30-9am on 30 September at NuSpace – University of Newcastle, Hunter St/Auckland St.
