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High Speed Rail – Fast Track to Failure?
High Speed Rail has been back in the headlines following the Federal Government’s announcement of an additional $230 million cash injection into the development phase of the long-awaited link between Sydney and Newcastle.
While the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue welcomed the renewed focus, it also issued a clear warning: high-speed rail is on a fast track to failure if Greater Western Sydney is sidelined.
Dialogue CEO Adam Leto and Chairman Christopher Brown AM were interviewed extensively across radio, television and print to reinforce the message that the success of this multi-billion‑dollar project depends on making the right planning decisions now, starting with where the Sydney interchange is located.
Currently, the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) proposes Central Station as the Sydney anchor point. However, Dialogue modelling shows this would be a costly mistake, failing to reflect the city’s population shift, economic growth and long-term transport needs.
As Adam wrote in a Daily Telegraph opinion piece: “[The] choice to anchor the Sydney interchange at Central, rather than in Parramatta, is not only short-sighted but also challenges the discourse led by our politicians, and many other leaders across a range of industries, who have championed Western Sydney as the region best positioned to shape the future of our city.”
Unlocking a Global Gateway
Fresh plans to transform the Bays West Precinct are an ideal opportunity to put an abandoned Kembla-Macarthur rail back on track and open a global trade gateway.
With news that the silo operations in Glebe will be moved to Port Kembla no later than 2030 as part of the proposed housing strategy for the inner-west waterfront, Dialogue CEO Adam Leto renewed calls for the Minns Government to prioritise completion of the abandoned Maldon to Dombarton line.
As Dialogue CEO Adam Leto recently told Illawarra media, this is an opportunity to link two powerhouse regions and set the state’s economy up for the future.
“The Wollongong to South West Sydney connection is an essential corridor. It’s where things arrive, where things are made and where things are moved. We need to make sure it has the right freight connection to ensure its success,” Adam said.
Better connecting these two powerhouse regions will help manage the supply chain pressures moving Glebe Island operations will create and keep heavy trucks off both regions already strained local roads.
Tech Comes West
We can’t wait to welcome industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to the Dialogue’s inaugural TechWest Infrastructure Forum – a pivotal event to examine the unprecedented data‑centre boom.
This forum will unpack the planning, utility and social‑licence challenges that will shape our digital future and take a deep dive into the issues that matter most:
- Is GWS ready to become Australia’s data‑centre capital?
- Is the boom a long‑term opportunity or a looming bubble?
- Do we have the electricity and infrastructure required to sustain this growth?
- And how will the Federal Government’s AI plans translate into real‑world outcomes for communities and industry?
An exceptional speaker lineup includes:
– Dr Andrew Charlton, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy
– Hon. Daniel Mookhey, Treasurer of NSW
– Melanie Silva, VP and MD, Google Australia & New Zealand
– Belinda Dennett, CEO, Data Centres Australia
– Darren Cleary, Managing Director Sydney Water
– Ranisha Clarke, CEO, Castle Group
– Peter Corbett, Lead Partner Telecommunications, Media & Technology, Deloitte
– Colin Crisafulli, General Manager Future Grid & Asset Management, Endeavour Energy
– Steve McMahon, Interim CEO, Australian Turf Club
– Christiaan Zuur, Director Energy Infrastructure, Commercial Advisory & Transactions, KPMG
– Jason Krstanoski, Executive GM – Network, Transgrid.
Thank you to our generous event partners
Advocacy in Action!
GWS in Focus
The Minns government has officially launched the search for a location to build a new film and television studio in Sydney, expanding eligibility to include all of Greater Western Sydney.
We’re pleased that the updated expression of interest (EOI), tied to a $100 million funding package, removes the previous requirement that projects be located within 35 kilometres of the CBD.
The announcement follows calls from the Dialogue to open the EOI to all. CEO Adam Leto congratulated Arts Minister John Graham, arguing the region has the land, workforce and investment backing needed to deliver the city’s long-anticipated second studio.
The shift now opens the door for a proposed $127 million studio development at Oran Park in Sydney’s southwest. The development follows recent advocacy from the Dialogue that was spotlighted in recent media coverage by the Daily Telegraph.
CEO Adam Leto told The Daily Telegraph: “You’ve got significant industry interest and land available in the southwest, along with investors that are willing to put money out of their own pocket to make this project work.
“In addition to the economic value this studio would bring to the region, having a film studio based in the west would send a positive signal to local aspiring producers, technicians and actors.”
Put a Roof on Accor
There were renewed calls from the Dialogue for Accor Stadium to get a much-needed upgrade.
As CEO Adam Leto told Daily Telegraph reporter Peter Jenkins, a lot has changed since Sydney’s biggest sport and entertainment facility opened for the Olympics 25 years ago.
“For years, the Dialogue has been calling for the NSW government to invest in building a retractable roof for Accor Stadium, ensuring (it) can attract and stage the biggest sporting and entertainment events.
“It was built specifically for the Olympics and, in 25 years, a lot has changed. We need facilities that are not only fit-for-purpose but also fit for the future.
“We can’t have situations as we had not that long ago when Taylor Swift was in town, and the risk of rain nearly cancelled her show.
“Adding a roof to Accor Stadium is well overdue and with the release of these new figures we can see it stacks up.”
Fixing Transport Deserts
Western Sydney continues to face deepening “transport deserts”, according to a recent report in the Sydney Morning Herald, with rapidly growing suburbs such as Oran Park, Austral and Marsden Park lacking adequate public transport.
CEO Adam Leto told the Sydney Morning Herald that despite major investments in metro and light rail lines, the city could not afford to let new housing areas “occur in isolation” without matching infrastructure.
“I think the growth of the south‑west and its lack of major connectivity is an issue.
With Metro projects facing delays and cost blowouts, Adam said it had “been long enough” since the last major infrastructure announcement.
“It’s important to look over the horizon and start planning the next generation of major transport projects.”
GWS in the News
Education Powerhouses
GWS is set for a major boost in future-focused learning, with two significant education initiatives announced for the region.
The new TAFE NSW Bankstown City Campus has officially opened in the heart of the CBD, offering state-of-the-art training facilities co-located with Western Sydney University. Its launch aligns with the transformation of the former Bankstown TAFE site, which will be part of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital redevelopment, expanding health services and strengthening the local skills pipeline.
In Parramatta, UNSW has partnered with Powerhouse to establish UNSW House within the heritage St George’s Terrace, creating an open community learning space for students, academics and the broader public. The initiative further elevates Western Sydney’s role in science, engineering, design and the arts.
Together, these projects represent a major investment in education to support workforce development, industry collaboration and the long‑term growth of communities across Western Sydney.
WSI Take Off
Sydney’s only 24-hour international airport is set to open ahead of time and on budget, with news that the $6 billion aviation hub will welcome cargo aircraft from July and passenger flights at the end of October.
Two domestic and two international airlines are among the first carriers to fly from Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport, with Qantas and Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand confirmed. Airlines will be releasing inaugural ticket sales for the new aviation hub soon.
It’s also been announced that free buses will run every 30 minutes between St Marys train and bus interchange and the airport when WSI opens later this year, giving passengers and workers direct public transport connection from day one, with the Airport Metro set to open in late 2027.
Healthcare Boost
The opening of the Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre marks a major boost for Western Sydney, delivering much‑needed frontline support for local residents.
Officially launched by the NSW Premier alongside federal and state ministers, the new centre sits in the heart of Blacktown and is delivered through a partnership between WentWest, Western Sydney PHN and the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT.
The service offers free, walk‑in mental health care delivered by multidisciplinary teams, addressing the region’s higher-than-average psychological distress. The investment strengthens access to essential services and supports healthier, stronger Western Sydney communities.
Energy Projects
The Investment Delivery Authority has endorsed the first tranche of new energy projects for the region, including two battery storage facilities proposed by Castle Group in the Penrith and Liverpool local government areas, and the Western Sydney Pumped Hydro Project developed by Zen Energy.
Together, these projects represent a significant investment in strengthening the region’s long‑term renewable energy security.
And Congratulations to Endeavour Energy on the launch of a suite of critical infrastructure that will power the new Western Sydney International Airport and deliver the first major stage of electricity supply for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car, and Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage, Penny Sharpe, were joined by new Endeavour Energy CEO, Danny Cooper, and WSI CEO, Simon Hickey, to officially open the Western Sydney Airport Transmission Substation.
It was also a great opportunity to bid a fond farewell to the company’s outgoing CEO, Guy Chalkley, who steps down after steering the organisation for the past six years.
Board Appointments
Congratulations to Chairman Christopher Brown AM on his appointment to the Bradfield Development Authority Board. Nominated by the Prime Minister as a Commonwealth representative, he joins Damian Kassabgi and Elizabeth McNamara as new members, alongside Chair Jennifer Westacott AC, Gabrielle Trainor AO, Dr Cathy Foley and Dr Craig Emerson.
His long experience in the Aerotropolis and WS Airport precinct and advocacy for economic, social and civil development across Greater Western Sydney will support the authority in shaping Bradfield as Australia’s newest city.
And the Dialogue Chairman has also joined the Clontarf Foundation Advisory Board. Mr Brown has been a passionate advocate of the organisation for many years, helping to shine a light on the work it does to support Aboriginal boys in GWS by using sport to improve education, discipline, graduation success and employment opportunities.
Partner Updates
Major infrastructure momentum is building in Western Sydney, with the NSW Government advancing Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2. Due to begin main construction in 2027, the project will deliver 4.5 km of track, nine stops and a new Parramatta River bridge.
Congratulations to Dialogue partner John Holland, which has secured the $322 million enabling works package, including major bridge construction, as part of Metro West.
Plenary Group has been appointed development partner for the 5.7‑hectare First Land Release in Bradfield City, a $1 billion‑plus mixed‑use project near the new Metro station and First Building.
The development will create a vibrant, 24/7, mixed-use hub featuring advanced industries and commercial space. It will also feature 1,400 new homes, including 10% affordable housing, a university campus, a hotel, and retail space.
And SYSTRA is set to partner with Sydney Trains for the development of the business case and integration plan for the NextGen Digital Train Radio System.
The program will upgrade the Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) to enable reliable communication between trains and operational systems.
Welcome New Partners
Vitex Pharmaceuticals
A leading force in advanced health manufacturing, Vitex Pharmaceuticals continues to drive skilled job creation and champion local hiring across Greater Western Sydney.
James Hardie
As a returning major sponsor of the Parramatta Eels, James Hardie demonstrates strong commitment to Western Sydney, supporting community outcomes and regional growth through their partnerships and industry leadership.
Urban Property Group
Urban Property Group is delivering major developments throughout GWS, boosting economic activity, creating new jobs and supporting vital urban renewal across local communities.
