Penrith Business Community Launches 10 Big Ideas to Grow Penrith

4 June 2010

The Penrith Business Community has released its economic blueprint for Penrith, the 10 Big Ideas to Grow Penrith.

The 10 Big Ideas for Penrith was developed by the Penrith Business Alliance, the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce and NSW Business Chamber’s Western Sydney Regional Advisory Council.

The centrepiece of the 10 Big Ideas for Penrith is a call for the NSW Government to move the Department of Transport to Penrith and the establishment of a Penrith Business Park and a Penrith Lakes Development Authority. 

The 10 Big Ideas also includes solutions for local transport, roads, parking and employment, including a strategy to encourage the creation of a health technology hub in Penrith.

“This document is not about the by-election, though we will seek to get both sides to make commitments to Penrith prior to the by-election.  This document is about setting the agenda for Penrith for the next five years,” said Paul Brennan, spokesman for the Penrith Business Community.

“This is a positive plan that seeks to create local jobs, reduce congestion and promote the natural beauty of Penrith.

“We have arranged meetings with the ALP candidate John Thain, as well as the Liberal Leader Barry O’Farrell and the Liberal candidate Stuart Ayres. 

“This is an economic blueprint that is upbeat about Penrith’s future.

“We certainly want to see a Government Department like the Department of Transport move to Penrith.  Other areas in Sydney have Government agencies and I believe our lack of funding has been, in part, a case of “out of sight, out of mind”.

“There are important decisions regarding Penrith Lakes and the former defence lands coming up – and it is important that we look to the long term rather than the short term. 

“Business recognises that jobs and liveability go hand in hand – we have to be smart about development and we have to vigilant in protecting our local environment.”

Download the 10 Big Ideas to Grow Penrith.

Comments on each of the 10 Big Ideas to Grow Penrith:

1.       Create additional parking and implement transport solutions for Penrith CBD

“The Metropolitan Strategy has stated that Penrith is going to get an additional 25,000 dwellings.  We have to plan for and invest in public transport and parking for the future.

2.       Relocate the Department of Transport To Penrith

“This is not a revolutionary concept – Gosford, Parramatta, North Sydney, Goulburn and Orange have the headquarters of Government Departments.  We believe the presence of a major department like Transport in Penrith is the right type of relocation and job creation that the district needs.

3.       Strengthen north-south Traffic and Transport Infrastructure

“We have to get North-South traffic to work as well as East-West traffic.  One of the selling points for Penrith is that we are a counter peak traffic area, which is easy to get to in peak periods. However, congestion within Penrith is getting worse. 

4.       Encourage a major business headquarters to move to Penrith

“The presence of a major business HQ in Penrith not only brings jobs to the area, but encourages other business to locate here.  Making sure we find the right tenant to move to the defence lands is critical.  We need to work with the State Government on this.  We would rather take the time to get this right, than rush things and lose a great opportunity.

5.       Create a Health Technology Precinct

“We have a good story to tell about the health sector in Penrith.  We have excellent relationships with the Universities of Sydney and Western Sydney and we should be working with the NSW Government to exploit these opportunities.

6.       Create new jobs in Penrith

“Buy local should be the message of every business to every consumer in Penrith.  We have great businesses in our district and our focus as a community should be about creating jobs locally.  

7.       Upgrade Penrith Lakes Facility

“This can be the jewel in the crown.  We need to follow the successful model developed in Homebush and Darling Harbour where the area is governed by an act of Parliament and a Minister.

8.       Develop a Penrith Business Park

“Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park are examples of how you can create strong business precincts that can create meaningful development, jobs and contribute to the local community.  We can and should do the same in Penrith.

9.       Redevelop Penrith CBD

“There has been no plan for the CBD.  Population growth makes this a greater priority.  A vibrant, safe, active CBD with a wide variety of businesses, that is open day and night, is in everyone’s interest.

10.       Collaborate on a positive marketing plan for Penrith

“We are all proud of our area.  Parkes, Tamworth, Manly and Homebush are active in promoting signature events that encourage visits and contribute to the local community.  We need to do the same.