The NSW government has expanded the role of the state’s infrastructure chief amid concerns that red tap is causing ‘unacceptable delays’ to delivery of the western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday acknowledged the concerns of local government, business and other stakeholders about delays around essential infrastructure for the planned airport city, which he says is being exacerbated by a lack of coordination between agencies.
A more streamlined approach is called for, the Premier said.
“That is why the NSW Government is issuing a new direction today which will improve the coordination and oversight to deliver key government priorities,” Mr Minns said.
As Infrastructure Co-ordinator General, Infrastructure NSW CEO Tom Gellibrand will oversee the work of Infrastructure NSW to coordinate infrastructure to support housing, energy, freight, logistics, and employment priorities around the Aerotropolis.
Role of Infrastructure NSW boosted
Mr Gellibrand said the announcement would bolster the role of Infrastructure NSW.
“We will continue to work with agencies to improve the whole-of-government coordination of infrastructure delivery to support housing and population growth across the state, as well as coordinating infrastructure to support the Aerotropolis,” he said in a statement.
Infrastructure NSW also has ‘step in’ powers if required to resolve roadblocks or disagreements between agencies.
Infrastructure NSW will lead three immediate areas of work including freight logistics and employment-related development in Western Sydney and the Aerotropolis, housing development, and coordination of energy and transmission infrastructure.
New CEO for downgraded, rebranded parkland authority
The Western Parkland City Authority meanwhile will become the Bradfield Development Authority to be led by former Property Council of Australia chief executive Ken Morrison, and has had its role downgraded to focus solely on delivering Bradfield Town Centre and supporting investment attraction within the Aerotropolis.
“This is all part of our plan to put an end to the years of obstruction and delay that slowed down the delivery of essential infrastructure across Western Sydney and NSW,” Mr Minns said.
Mr Morrison said he was looking forward to working with the Board chaired by Jennifer Westacott and Department Secretary Kiersten Fishburn.
“The Authority has the special privilege of bringing the new Bradfield City to life and supporting the development of the surrounding Aerotropolis,” he said.
His first day in the role will be 5 August.
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