That is the view of the Sydney Business Chamber which is actively seeking to expand it Western Sydney First (WSF) membership – see box.
“The chamber believes in Western Sydney, and has a dedicated focus on the region through the establishment of the WSF membership,” according to the chamber’s website. “The WSF brings together leading Sydney and Western Sydney organisations to focus on the development of the region, particularly in generating jobs for one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.”
The latest to join is Liverpool City Council, which sees value in its membership as part of its strategy to attract new business investment and employment to the city, at a fee of $12,000 plus GST.
“As part of its strategy to attract new investment to Liverpool there is merit in council becoming a member of relevant business groups where there is demonstrated interest by these groups in Liverpool and the broader Western Sydney area,” a council report said.
“Membership of such organisations will allow council to promote Liverpool as a business destination to a relevant audience, as well as tap into sources of intelligence that can potentially generate new business leads for Liverpool.”
The council report said membership would provide council with intelligence on emerging business and economic trends and access to key private and public sector stakeholders.
Blacktown City Council has been approached but has deferred a decision. WSF’s priorities for Western Sydney include promoting advanced manufacturing in Western Sydney and creating knowledge based jobs for the region; securing Western Sydney’s fair share of transport services and infrastructure funding; and enhancing and promoting the cultural offerings of the region and establishing the brand “Western Sydney”.
WSF enables members to have direct access to the NSW government, at invitation-only functions, to discuss issues and offer comment and advice.
These functions are understood to operate under the Chatham House Rule which encourages openness and the sharing of information among members; it allows members to speak as individuals and to express views that may not be those of their organisations.
WSF, supported by Deloitte in Parramatta, expects to hold functions with the Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian, in November and the Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner, in December.
