Now’s the Time to Back Camden’s Growth

The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue has called on State and Federal Governments to commit to major investment for critical projects in Camden to meet the growing needs of the booming region.

The call comes as the Dialogue held the Unlocking Camden’s Growth Potential: The Time is Now Forum, featuring NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, Member for Camden Sally Quinnell MP, alongside Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli, and council General Manager Andrew Carfield.

The event shone a spotlight on key infrastructure projects in the area that would attract investment, create jobs, grow local skills and tap into opportunities linked to the new Western Sydney International Airport and the Bradfield City development.

Dialogue CEO Adam Leto said public and private investment was urgently needed, with Camden’s population tipped to balloon by 74.38% to 257,000 residents by 2046, there was pressure on infrastructure, services and local jobs.

“Camden is one of the fastest-growing local government areas in the state, and we need to address the demand for schools, childcare and health services, alongside transport and community infrastructure,” Mr Leto said. 

Speaking at the event, NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP announced the NSW Government will invest $230 million in 83 targeted safety upgrades across the state, including a $7 million upgrade to the Old Hume Highway (Remembrance Driveway) in Camden South. The upgrade will deliver new traffic signals at the intersection of Wire Lane and Elizabeth Macarthur Avenue – a project long advocated for by local residents.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. These targeted upgrades are about making high-risk areas safer and helping more people get home to their loved ones,” Ms Aitchison said.

The Dialogue welcomed the much-needed investment by the NSW Government to deliver important road infrastructure in Camden.

“With the South West’s population growing so quickly, it’s essential that residents can travel to and from home, school and work as safely as possible,” Mr Leto said.

The area’s fast-growing population also underlines the need to fund essential rail services and critical road infrastructure such as the Spring Farm Parkway Extension – Stage 2 and the South West Rail Link Extension from Bradfield to Macarthur, the Camden Forum heard.

“We are calling on the State and Federal Governments to commit and deliver essential funding for Camden. The South West Rail Link Extension from Bradfield to Macarthur would help connect the region to future smart jobs and opportunities in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis,” Mr Leto said.

“Right now, 65 per cent of Camden residents leave the LGA for work and with employment not keeping pace with growth – investing in projects that will help support residents to work close to home will prove critical.

“The proposed rail extension would also open South West Sydney to tourism and visitors who land at Western Sydney International Airport.”

The Dialogue also supports calls for:

• Road upgrades to support high-frequency rapid bus services connecting Camden with Western Sydney International Airport
• Invest in infrastructure that unlocks additional housing supply

Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli thanked the Dialogue for its support in shining a light on the need for critical investment in Camden.

“Collaboration across all levels of government, industry, and the community will be essential if we want to get this right,” Cr Theresa Fedeli says.

“Planning for a fast-growing region like Camden is not something any one organisation can do alone and today reflects that shared approach.”