We’ve been forging strong relationships with key stakeholders, decision-makers, and various levels of government since 1927. This enables us to advocate for policies and projects with a unified voice. Our goal is to create a sustainable future where generations of business owners can thrive.
This is what sets us apart from your traditional “networking group” and presents you with a unique opportunity to make your voice heard.
We are dedicated to advocating for the region's economic development and prosperity, with a keen focus on preparing Penrith for the transformative opportunities presented by the Western Sydney International Airport, which is set to service 10 million passengers a year from the day it opens in 2026.
Our purpose is to cultivate a dynamic, resilient and prosperous business community.
Advocacy has a profound and far-reaching impact on the local community, serving as a catalyst for positive change and development.
We don’t want growth for growth’s sake. We want to see sustainable progress that enhances the quality of life, environmental health, and social equity of our community.
Think of advocacy as your backstage pass to the world of policy-making! Chambers of Commerce work their magic with local, state, and federal policymakers to craft a business-friendly environment. By influencing legislation and cutting through red tape, they help make life easier for businesses. Imagine fewer bureaucratic headaches, more tax breaks, and shiny new infrastructure. All these efforts not only attract fresh businesses to the area but also help existing ones flourish. It’s like having a dedicated team making sure the rules of the game are in your favour.
Our Chamber of Commerce is like the ultimate matchmaker for businesses, government agencies, and community stakeholders! Imagine lively events where connections spark, ideas flow, and collaborations bloom. From buzzing forums and interactive roundtables to dynamic public-private partnerships, these gatherings bring a mix of talents and perspectives together. It’s all about creating a vibrant network that fuels innovation and drives local economic development. So, get ready to mingle, brainstorm, and join forces to tackle challenges and seize opportunities for a thriving community!
Whether it’s grants for small businesses, improvements in infrastructure, or support for educational programs, these investments are key to nurturing a dynamic business environment. Get ready to see your community thrive with the backing it needs to grow and prosper!
Advocating for education and training programs helps ensure our community has the skills businesses need. Our Chambers team up with schools and training providers to promote practical courses that boost job opportunities and improve productivity. It’s all about preparing our people for great careers and making our workforce stronger.
Although there are many issues we could champion, we have distilled our focus into ten key action points that best align with and embody our purpose.
The development of Western Sydney Lakes, currently under the ownership of the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation is on private land and presents a crucial juncture for the region's future. Plans have long been in place to transition the site to serve the entertainment, local employment and recreational needs of Western Sydney, offering a refreshing climate people to play, work, relax and visit with access to freshwater and a panoramic backdrop to the Blue Mountains.
However, to see this game-changing project come to fruition, the government must prioritise zoning the land, with carefully controlled usage plan now, and allow private investment to deliver regionally significant open spaces, supported and enhanced by sustainable and resilient mixed use urban development.
This decision will significantly impact the future development and accessibility of Western Sydney Lakes and the broader Penrith LGA and Nepean area, potentially shaping its role in the visitor economy for years to come. Like the majority of local residents, we want to see the Lakes come to life!
The proposed Mulgoa Road / Castlereagh Road upgrade aims to significantly enhance infrastructure in the region, particularly along Glenmore Park Way to Andrews Road. This development initiative includes plans to extend essential services beyond current industrial boundaries, widen roads to accommodate increased traffic, and bolster economic activity through heightened accessibility.
The urgency of accelerating these infrastructure improvements, especially with the impending airport development, underscores the need for consistent funding commitments from the NSW Government. Securing a stable funding profile until project completion is essential to ensure timely execution and maximise the region's economic potential.
In Penrith, there exists rezoned land with a pressing need to establish additional workplaces closer to residential areas. Accelerating the provision of essential services such as land access, water, electricity, internet connectivity, roads, and sewerage infrastructure is crucial to creating viable local work environments. This initiative aims to not only accommodate the growing demand for residential and commercial spaces but also enhance the economic vitality of the region.
The focus areas identified for immediate attention include:
The Penrith community faces ongoing concerns regarding flood risks, prompting a critical evaluation of current planning controls. As housing demand rises and efforts to boost the visitor and nighttime economies gain momentum, there is a strong impetus to expand commercial and residential developments in the region.
However, it is essential to ensure that flood risk settings are accurately calibrated to protect investments and the community without allowing subjective perceptions of risk to hinder logical development decisions. Striking this balance is crucial for sustainable growth in Penrith, necessitating a thorough reassessment of flood planning strategies to mitigate risks effectively while fostering strategic development initiatives.
The Castlereagh Connection plays a pivotal role in securing our regional infrastructure and resilience. This arterial route not only provides a critical alternative access point to the M7 but also serves as a vital flood evacuation corridor. Enhancing and maintaining this connection is essential for bolstering regional connectivity and ensuring swift emergency response capabilities during times of crisis.
By investing in and prioritising the Castlereagh Connection, we reinforce our region's ability to navigate challenges effectively while sustaining long-term growth and development.
Rapid Bus
Timely implementation of the rapid bus transport plan from Penrith to the new Western Sydney Airport is essential to ensure Penrith’s future connectivity and growth of the visitor economy sector. Western Sydney residents will have the latest technology buses from day one of the airport starting operations.
St Marys Interchange Activation
St Marys will become an important transport interchange connecting the new Western Sydney Airport airport to the rest of Sydney and the surrounding area to the Metro service. Driving investment and development to the area as the town undergoes this transformative change is a once in a generation opportunity that must not be missed.
The digitalisation and activation of the CBD entail several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing urban functionality and appeal. These efforts include providing free Wi-Fi access to residents and visitors, improving lighting infrastructure for enhanced safety and attraction, and implementing effective wayfinding systems to navigate and activate public spaces. By leveraging these advancements, the CBD can become a more vibrant and accessible hub, fostering community engagement, supporting local businesses, and attracting both residents and tourists alike.
We are calling for local government to relax restrictions on trading hours, allowing businesses to operate later into the evening. Additionally, there is a push for permissible use of existing building spaces and relaxed planning controls to facilitate the establishment and expansion of night time venues and activities. By creating a more conducive environment for nightlife, the CBD can boost economic activity, enhance cultural vibrancy, and attract a diverse range of visitors and residents looking to enjoy evening entertainment and services.
We strongly advocate for the continued development of the River Precinct to enhance its appeal as a premier visitor destination. This can be achieved by leveraging existing connections to the Mountains, CBD, rail, and Lakes, thereby creating a more integrated and accessible network.
Improving access to the river beyond the current routes of Wilson Lane and Blakey Road is a priority… should we explore the potential construction of a third bridge at Emu Heights? What about relocating the Paceway to open up new opportunities for space utilisation and visitor engagement? Our goal is continually elevate the River Precinct's attractiveness and functionality.
We’d like to see significant investments in sports infrastructure to bolster both the visitor economy and community health and wellbeing.
Upgrades to the Regatta Centre and Whitewater Stadium are essential to elevate these facilities to maintain international standards, attracting major sporting events and boosting tourism. Additionally, developing and enhancing regional sports venues will provide state-of-the-art facilities that encourage increased participation in sports and recreational activities among local residents and visitors alike.
These strategic investments will not only drive economic growth but also promote a healthier, more active community, making them a vital priority for the region.