Universities unite on vision for Western Sydney region

The University of Sydney and Western Sydney University have launched a shared vision for the Greater Parramatta Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) region; with The Hon Stuart Ayres MP and representatives from the Greater Sydney Commission and the Western Sydney Business Chamber in attendance.

The report identifies the economic and strategic importance of the region and highlights infrastructure and active transport, better collaboration between all three levels of government and industry as immediate priorities for continued growth and momentum.

Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, noted that for more than 30 years, the University had been committed to transforming the region through world-class research and teaching.

“This region-shaping alliance with the University of Sydney leverages the strengths of both institutions, delivering the higher education, economic and employment opportunities that an area of this significance deserves,” said Professor Glover.

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence AC said there was no doubt that greater western Sydney held great promise as an innovation district.

“We’re investing $500 million to establish our second major campus at Parramatta-Westmead. This will be a place where our students and researchers will use automation and innovation to solve real world problems and where the jobs of the future will be created,” Dr Spence said.

The report highlights include:

  • More than $10 billion in public and private investment expected to be delivered within the GPOP area in the next 5 to 10 years;
  • Parramatta is forecast to almost double its economic growth rate to 4.6 per cent in the next three years – that’s 70 per cent more forecast population growth than the Eastern Harbour City;
  • GPOP is experiencing a 7.1 per cent increase in the proportion of tertiary qualification holders since 2011. This far outstrips the rest of Sydney (3.4 per cent), NSW (3.0 per cent) or Australia (4.3 per cent). This trend is particularly visible in Westmead, where there has been an 8.6 per cent increase in tertiary qualification holders;
  • The Westmead Health and Education Precinct is attracting globally competitive talent and jobs. This precinct alone currently produces $1.9 billion of economic output, expected to increase to $2.8 billion by 2036.

Read the report here (opens in a new window).

ENDS

11 November 2019

Media Unit