2022-23 NSW Budget to deliver significant investment in Western Sydney

One of the key focuses of the recently announced 2022-23 NSW Budget is to make Western Sydney a great place to reside and work. 

The New South Wales Government is committed to bringing into life the vision of a “liveable, workable and beautiful Greater Sydney to life, including Western Sydney” by investing in infrastructure the region needs and deserves. 

The 2022-23 Budget Papers on Western Sydney stated: “Western Sydney is a core part of the Six Cities vision for New South Wales, housing two of the six cities. This vision will deliver a series of interconnected, dynamic and resilient places, each with its own clear and unique identity. This enhanced connectivity will support and attract new economic industries at a global scale, increase opportunities for housing choice and support overall quality of life.” 

This year’s Budget will include an investment of $16 billion in transport infrastructure, $1.8 billion in hospital infrastructure and $2.8 billion in school infrastructure for Western Sydney. 

Below is a list of key highlights from the Budget for Western Sydney. 

Connecting communities 

A $16 billion allocation for transport infrastructure, which includes $2.8 billion in 2022-23. Key initiatives will include: 

• $1.5 billion over four years (including $220.1 million in 2022-23) on the Western Sydney Growth Roads Program to accommodate population and employment growth in Western Sydney 
• $1.2 billion over four years (including $205.6 million in 2022-23) towards the M12 Motorway to support the Western Sydney International Airport 
• 602.4 million (including $26.2 million in 2022-23) on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to commence the detailed planning and early works, which will include the delivery of a new bridge crossing the Parramatta River between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park 
• $243.1 million over three years (including $74 million in 2022-23) on Prospect Highway, Reservoir Road to St Martins Crescent to improve road safety for all road users, reduce congestion leading to improved travel times, and increase network efficiency 
• $236 million in 2022-23 on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 to support growth in Western Sydney, creating new communities and connecting places 

Providing world-class healthcare and hospitals 

A $1.8 billion spend on hospitals, including more than $480 million in 2022-23 for Western Sydney. Key initiatives include: 

• $185.4 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $619 million project) for Stage 2 of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead redevelopment 
• $126.8 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $740 million project) for the Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct 
• $76 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $1 billion project) for Stages 1 and 2 of the Nepean Hospital redevelopment 
• $45 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $632 million project) for Stage 2 of the Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment 
• $11.7 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $300 million project) for the Rouse Hill Health Service 
• $1.8 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $460 million project) to deliver a modern and integrated mental health complex at the Westmead Hospital campus 

Vibrant, green and creative precincts 

• $246.1 million in 2022-23 for the new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta and expansion of the Museum Discovery Centre in Castle Hill 
• $26.4 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $53.8 million project) to continue early works on heritage assets at Parramatta North, including site-wide enabling infrastructure, critical conservation and activation of 11 heritage buildings and three open spaces 
• $15 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $38.4 million project) to continue the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan to acquire the first stage of the Georges River Koala Reserve, and for installation of koala-exclusion fencing to protect koalas from urban encroachment 
• $11.1 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $81.4 million project) to continue capital works and maintenance of Stadium Australia at Sydney Olympic Park 
• $10 million over two years to support local councils and community organisations to host cultural festivals and events focused in Western Sydney and the six cities 
• $9.5 million in 2022-23 ($78.3 million over 10 years) to improve pathways and park facilities at Western Sydney Parklands 
• $5 million in 2022-23 to Venues NSW to develop a final business case for an operable roof at Stadium Australia 
• Funding towards the Rugby League Centre of Excellence at Kellyville Memorial Park to provide training and community sports facilities and support the development of male and female players. This is part of a $113 million investment towards Rugby League Centres of Excellence in New South Wales 
• Redevelopment of Penrith Stadium to turn it into a world-class suburban sport, entertainment and community venue 

Source: NSW Budget 2022-23

WestInvest 

This Budget will include a $478.2 million commitment from the $5 billion WestInvest program that aims to modernise local schools. The program of works will deliver a broad range of capital investment to renew existing school assets and provide additional teaching spaces at nine schools. 

The nine schools are Austral Public School, Condell Park High School, Leppington Public School, Parramatta East Public School, Riverbank Public School (stage 3), Rouse Hill High School, Schofields Public School, Sir Joseph Banks High School, and Telopea Public School. 

Western Sydney City Deal 

The landmark agreement between three levels of government will help drive growth as well as enhance liveability, connectivity and sustainability for Western Sydney. The State Government will continue to implement the City Deal while engaging in consistent and open collaboration across all three government levels, strengthening the region’s vibrant culture and lifestyle. 

Key investments under the City Deal include: 

• $1.7 billion in 2022-23 for continued construction for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, a metro rail link connecting St Marys to the new Western Sydney International Airport and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. This project is a key part of delivering an integrated transport system for the Western Parkland City. Strategic planning has identified future extensions and connections to service the Western Parkland City. A business case will be prepared for a south-eastern extension of the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project from the current southern terminus at Bradfield to Glenfield 
• $113.9 million in 2022-23 towards the continuation of Stage 1 Enabling Works to establish, remediate and allow site access to the new Bradfield City Centre 
• $39 million in 2022-23 to continue the establishment of Bradfield’s first high-tech building which will house shared-use equipment for research institutions and industry to collaborate 
• $26.6 million in 2022-23 towards the continuation of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, which provides vital community infrastructure and public spaces across eight City Deal council areas 
• $12.7 million in 2022-23 towards the continuation of the New Education Training Model pilot aimed at helping advanced industries access skilled labour 
• $10 million in 2022-23 ($261.9 million over 10 years) towards the establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility at the heart of Bradfield City Centre. This ensures that Western Sydney will continue to be the heart of Australia’s high-tech manufacturing capability 
• $1.9 million in 2022-23 towards the continuation of the Place-based Infrastructure Compact program in the new Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek growth area 
• The development of a South-West Sydney Community and Justice Precinct strategic business case, expected to be completed in 2022-23 

Setting children and young people up for success 

In order to deliver a supportive and safe learning environment that is vital to fostering learning and development for all children, the New South Wales Government is providing significant investment in new and upgraded schools that will support the success as well as future of children and young people in Western Sydney. 

Key investments in the Budget include $5.6 million in 2022-23 as well as $266.9 million over four years to deliver new schools in Gables, Nirimba Fields and Melonba along with the redevelopment of Melrose Park Public School. 

Protecting and enhancing communities 

The recently announced Budget will also bring forth investments in state-of-the-art facilities and technology in emergency services, housing and community infrastructure that will ensure Western Sydney residents will have a high quality of life. 

Key investments and initiatives include: 

• Redeveloping Parramatta Police Station as part of the $107.9 million Multipurpose Police Station Program in New South Wales 
• Investing into Aboriginal Child and Family Centres (ACFCs) in Doonside, Minto and Mount Druitt as part of a state-wide investment of $98.7 million to continue and expand ACFCs. This will provide a mix of culturally safe services to support First Nations children and their families to be healthy, safe and to thrive 
• More than $21.4 million for Fire and Rescue NSW infrastructure to improve community safety and emergency services across the State, including Western Sydney. This includes investments in new and existing stations in Busby, Oran Park, Marsden Park, Wentworthville and Wentworth Falls 
• $8 million in 2022-23 for the redevelopment of the Rural Fire Service Hawkesbury Fire Control Centre 
• $7.7 million to deliver new and upgraded quality homes for First Nations families across Western Sydney 

“Once again the NSW Government is supporting Western Sydney communities with the 2022-23 NSW Budget investing more than $80 million on local hospitals. 

“In addition to caring for those of us who live in Western Sydney, we have major hospitals that deliver world class care to people from all over New South Wales. 

“I also welcome the significant road and public transport projects that are funded in this Budget, including stages one and two of the Parramatta Light Rail,” Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; NSW Budget 2022-23 (1, 2, 3)