Penrith Chamber Budget Brunch: Business Leaders Gather in Penrith to Unpack What the NSW Budget Means for Western Sydney
Business Leaders Gather in Penrith to Unpack What the NSW Budget Means for Western Sydney
More than 130 business leaders, professionals and decision-makers gathered at the Penrith Valley Chamber’s annual Budget Brunch this week for a timely discussion on the opportunities, challenges and implications of the NSW Budget for Penrith and the broader Western Sydney region.
Hosted at the newly revamped Penrith RSL, the event brought together representatives from government, business and industry to explore the policies and investments shaping the future of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
The event was headlined by NSW Treasurer, The Hon. Daniel Mookhey, providing local businesses with rare direct access to one of the state's key decision-makers and reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring local businesses remain informed, engaged and represented in conversations that impact the region.
Putting Western Sydney at the Centre of the Conversation
A recurring theme throughout the morning was the critical role Western Sydney continues to play in the state’s economic future.
With significant government investment continuing across transport, housing, health and education, speakers highlighted both the opportunities and challenges ahead for businesses operating in the region.
As Western Sydney prepares for the transformational impact of the Western Sydney International Airport and associated growth corridors, the discussion focused on ensuring infrastructure, workforce capability and housing supply can keep pace with population growth and economic demand.
The event featured an expert panel discussion moderated by Nick Ryan, Senior Policy Manager at Business Western Sydney, alongside:
- Andrew Moore, General Manager, Penrith City Council
- Marcus Petrovic, Director, Mackay Goodwin
- Beau Chaperon, Partner Private Enterprise, Grant Thornton Australia
Together, the panel unpacked the broader implications of the NSW Budget and what businesses should be preparing for in the years ahead.
Advocacy in Action
For the Penrith Valley Chamber, the Budget Brunch represents more than an annual event. It is a practical demonstration of the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy work and its commitment to ensuring local businesses have access to the people, policies and conversations shaping the future of Penrith and Western Sydney.
Penrith Valley Chamber General Manager, Stacey Randell, said creating opportunities for direct dialogue between business and government remains a key priority.
“One of the Chamber’s most important roles is ensuring our members have access to the people, policies and conversations shaping the future of our region.”
“Bringing the Treasurer and industry leaders into the room gives local businesses the opportunity to better understand what’s ahead, ask questions directly and contribute to the discussion.”
“Our advocacy efforts are focused on ensuring Penrith’s voice is heard and that our business community remains informed and prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Key Themes from the Discussion
A number of important issues affecting local businesses were explored during the event, including:
- The economic outlook for NSW and Western Sydney
- Infrastructure investment and regional connectivity
- Housing supply and development challenges
- Cost pressures facing businesses
- Workforce attraction and retention
- Investment opportunities linked to Western Sydney’s continued growth
- The importance of local leadership and collaboration
The panel also discussed the importance of ensuring that growth translates into meaningful outcomes for local businesses and communities, particularly as the region experiences unprecedented levels of investment and development.
Building a Stronger Business Community
Penrith Valley Chamber President Richard Fox said the event highlighted the value of bringing together decision-makers, industry experts and local businesses in one room.
“Beyond the budget itself, the gathering highlighted the value of bringing government, industry and local business leaders together to discuss the issues that matter most to local business.”
“It was great to see a robust and engaging exchange with the panel and Treasurer, and witness strong audience participation during the Q&A, demonstrating the importance of creating platforms for business to have its say.”
The event forms part of the Chamber’s broader advocacy agenda, which focuses on supporting business growth, creating economic opportunity and ensuring Penrith remains at the centre of regional decision-making.
As Penrith continues to evolve and Western Sydney enters a new era of growth, ongoing dialogue between policymakers and the business community will remain essential to ensuring the region's opportunities are fully realised.
Learn More About the Chamber
The Penrith Valley Chamber is the peak business organisation representing businesses across Penrith and the surrounding region. Through advocacy, events, strategic partnerships and community connection, the Chamber works to foster a thriving, resilient and future-focused business community across Western Sydney.
