Annual Report 2022-2023
Board and Executive Reports
Chair's Report
On behalf of the Board and the Western Parkland City Authority (WPCA), I am pleased to present the 2022-23 Annual Report.
Over the course of the year the WPCA has focused its activities on economic development and jobs in Western Sydney, as well as strategies to accelerate housing supply close to transport and services in the planned Bradfield City.
With its strategic location, diverse population, and access to infrastructure, Western Sydney presents immense potential for both local businesses and global investors.
The WPCA plays a critical role in supporting activation of the new Western Sydney International airport when it opens in late 2026. The airport will provide new opportunities in agribusiness, tourism, freight, and logistics.
WPCA is focused on delivering three precincts surrounding the new airport. These include the new Bradfield City, the Agribusiness Precinct, and the Northern Gateway Freight and Logistics Precinct.
Much is being achieved across the three precincts, particularly in Bradfield City. WPCA has direct responsibility to develop the city adjacent to the airport to drive industry development, job creation, and new housing.
The Master Plan which will guide all land use, has been drafted and is about to go on exhibition. All aspects of new city planning for Bradfield City are well progressed, with sustainability, quality urban design, and liveability at the core. Alongside this, early enabling civil works will kick start opportunities for private sector investment in land development for housing close to services, jobs, and the new Metro station.
Substantial work has been done on the delivery of the First Building which will open early next year, with a focus on new technologies in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation. These smarter, value-added capabilities will help transform Western Sydney businesses and create more and highly skilled jobs.
For the Agribusiness Precinct, we are future-proofing and advancing understanding, collaboration, and investment opportunities for the agriculture sector next to the 24/7 airport. We are working closely with private landowners to maximise opportunities, and through the Agribusiness Precinct Vision, guiding activity towards growth and preferred development in the precinct.
In the Northern Gateway Precinct, we are again working with landowners and the private sector to progress economic development proposals as part of a coordinated approach to freight and logistics activity around the airport, as well as opportunities in the Circular Economy.
The jobs and skills program has completed a successful pilot in partnership with industry and the tertiary education sector, to support the rapid upskilling and reskilling of the workforce needed for the jobs of the future.
We are also securing investment, strengthening industry connections, and coordinating efforts across government and industry to drive economic development across the entire region.
Sydney’s new 24/7 airport and the land that sits around it represents a once in a generation opportunity to drive new industries, new jobs and much needed additional housing. Our work around the airport will in turn, drive economic activity across the Western Parkland City. This will create opportunities for more highly paid, and highly skilled jobs for everyone in Western Sydney.
The Board is steadfast in its mission to deliver a stronger future for Western Sydney and acknowledges the support and engagement of its key partners across State and Local Government, industry, and local businesses and communities.
This collaboration has made the momentum achieved this year possible.
I would like to acknowledge the strategic guidance and oversight of my fellow Board colleagues. I particularly thank the WPCA team who have worked tirelessly over the last year to build real momentum on the delivery of Bradfield City and the coordination of economic activity around the airport.
Jennifer Westacott AO
Chair, Western Parkland City Authority
Acting Chief Executive Officer's Report
In the last 12 months, the WPCA has moved from planning to delivery and has been steadfast in its objective of activating the airport and supporting economic development and investment in Western Sydney. I am incredibly proud of the efforts and dedication of the WPCA team and the tremendous progress which has been made this year.
We have commenced construction on the First Building in Bradfield City. When it opens in 2024, the facility will host a visitor centre, the Advanced Industry Hub, and the first stage of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF). Beyond just aiding businesses, the AMRF will provide cutting-edge tools and knowledge to support Western Sydney businesses to leverage opportunities for growth. With a focus on collaboration, it will foster partnerships between universities, industry and businesses to promote a vibrant ecosystem.
Planning is well advanced on the full scale AMRF facility, with a focus on advanced semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Design work is underway ahead of a planning application to be lodged later in 2023.
Bradfield City will bring more housing and skilled job opportunities to Western Sydney. The master plan for the city is well underway, prepared through a collaborative design process with a milestone of public exhibition expected by late 2023. Additionally, a competition to select the design team for the premier park in Bradfield is well progressed. As a central focus for the city, adjacent to the new metro station, it will be a major destination and gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
As part of our collaboration with industry across energy, digital, cyber, and circular economy, we have sought advice through early market soundings for innovative solutions that could be scaled up across the region to create new industries and highly skilled jobs. This feedback has been invaluable in informing and shaping the development of the city.
The New Education and Training Model (NETM) pilot has been successful in building workforce capability for emerging and advanced industries, with positive feedback from participants and learners supporting good momentum for the project.
Our partnerships with local government and community organisations have been a highlight over the last 12 months and we acknowledge their time and contributions to engaging with the Authority to drive social and economic benefits across Western Sydney.
We remain committed to continuing to work with our local government partners to drive economic development outcomes and leverage the already significant government investments in the region.
A sincere and generous note of appreciation to our many partners across government, industry and the community and we look forward to continuing to work together to deliver for Western Sydney.
Anne Skewes
Acting CEO, Western Parkland City Authority
Delivering Bradfield City
We’re building Australia’s newest city on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International airport.
Located in the heart of the Aerotropolis (Aerotropolis Core Precinct), Bradfield City will unlock new economic opportunities, deliver 10,000 more homes, and create 20,000 new jobs for the residents.
Spanning 114 hectares, it is the first major city to be built in Australia since Canberra.
2022-23 highlights
Master Plan
In June 2022, the Department of Planning and Environment confirmed the WPCA as the master planner for Bradfield City.
Over the course of the 2022-23 year, the WPCA undertook a comprehensive co-design process to develop the draft Master Plan and associated technical reports.
This involved extensive engagement and collaboration with partners through a formal Technical Assurance Panel (TAP).
Members of the Bradfield City Master Plan TAP includes stakeholders such as Sydney Water, DPE, Liverpool and Penrith Councils, Sydney Metro, Transport for NSW, Office of Heritage and Environment and the Independent Urban Designer representative from the NSW Government Architect’s Office. The first meeting of the TAP was held in November 2022.
Following endorsement from the TAP, it is expected that the draft Master Plan will progress to stage four of the master planning process and be placed on public exhibition in late 2023.
Completion of the Master Plan will give industry confidence to invest in the new city, creating more and highly skilled jobs in the Precinct.
First Building
Construction of the First Building at Bradfield City commenced in September 2022. It’s the start of a new industry-led ecosystem connecting and attracting local and global industry partners. The First Building will house key industry tenants, an Advanced Industry Accelerator Hub, and Stage 1 of the new Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF). It is scheduled for completion in 2024.
(Image: Artist's impression)
Second Building
Delivery of the Second Building, that will house Stage 2 of the AMRF, is also underway. It will provide businesses, engineers, and researchers access to advanced manufacturing technologies to test, scale up, and commercialise new manufacturing methods. In February 2023, an architect was appointed to design the building. The WPCA will continue to develop the design for the Second Building, with the building scheduled to open in late 2026.
Central Park
At the heart of Bradfield City will be a two-hectare Central Park. This will be the first step in establishing Bradfield City as a vibrant, cultural city immersed in a true parkland environment. Central Park will welcome visitors from across the globe and become a key gathering space for residents and workers.
In June 2023, a design excellence competition was run to select the winning design, with five leading architect firms short-listed after assessment by an esteemed and independent jury.
The competition held a strong emphasis on design and engagement with Traditional Custodians to ensure a gathering space that is Connected to Country.
The jury comprised:
- James Corner, world-renowned landscape architect and designer of Manhattan’s iconic High Line in New York City
- Abbie Galvin, Government Architect NSW
- Kate Luckraft, FLUMINIS Design Advisory Services
- Dr Libby Gallagher, Gallagher Studio
- Clarence Slocke, Jiwah.v
(Image: Artist's impression)
Market Sounding
Investment in energy, digital, cyber, and circular economy systems for the first stage of delivery of Bradfield City will kickstart development across the city centre.
As part of our collaboration with industry, we sought advice through early market engagement calling for innovative solutions to help us build a true 22nd century city.
We explored cutting edge solutions, capabilities and partnerships to optimise government investment and reduce costs to customers. We called for solutions that could be scaled up across the region to create new industries and more highly skilled jobs.
The market sounding process opened in November 2022 and closed 24 February 2023. The next stage took place in early 2023, where selected participants were invited to a series of interactive sessions. The findings from these sessions will continue to inform the development of Bradfield City.
(Image: Market sounding event)
Building skills for the jobs of the future
With advancements in technology, the skills needed to fill jobs in emerging industries are rapidly changing.
The New Education and Training Model (NETM) works in partnership with industry and leading education providers to deliver micro-credentials – short, targeted training courses of about 40 hours each – that allow workers to quickly build the knowledge, skills, and experience that employers need for the jobs of the future.
The NETM is building workforce capability in critical industries like advanced manufacturing, defence and aerospace, pharmaceutical manufacturing, freight and logistics, and agribusiness.
2022-23 highlights
Industry engagement
The NETM had a visible presence at industry events this year, including at the Modern Manufacturing Expo, Fairfield Food Forum, IndoPac, LandForces, Avalon Airshow, Gather and Grow, and the ODIS Sydney Forum.
The WPCA is developing options for a long-term NETM commercial funding model that focuses on industry-led delivery in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
(Image: Modern Manufacturing Expo)
Improving outcomes for First Nations people and businesses
The NETM is focused on growing opportunities for First Nations people and communities to engage in education and economic participation.
This year, the NETM has undertaken the following activities:
- Consultation with the Barranggirra Skilling for Employment Initiative, which provides end-to-end support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners through culturally appropriate mentoring.
- Commenced consultations with the WPCA’s Koori Perspectives Circle to explore culturally inclusive learning approaches.
- In consultation with the Koori Perspectives Circle, developed information materials with targeted messaging to engage First Nations businesses and learners.
- Introduced a requirement in that providers are assessed on their capability to maximise First Nations engagement with NETM learning opportunities. This includes ensuring accessibility to micro-credentials through transport options and flexible learning delivery options.
Developing industry
Western Sydney is one of the largest manufacturing centres in Australia and home to more than a third of Sydney’s skilled manufacturing workforce.
The AMRF will connect manufacturers with advanced technologies and opportunities, creating more highly skilled jobs and placing the region at the centre of some of the biggest global industrial advancements.
With state-of-the-art equipment and leading experts, the AMRF will offer flexible access for companies of all sizes to develop smart solutions and build capability to future-proof advanced manufacturing in Western Sydney.
2022-23 highlights
AMRF entity
Construction of the First Building at Bradfield City commenced in September 2022. It’s the start of a new industry-led ecosystem connecting and attracting local and global industry partners. The First Building will house key industry tenants, an Advanced Industry Accelerator Hub, and Stage 1 of the new Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF). It is scheduled for completion in 2024.
AMRF Stage 1
The NSW Government has committed $22.9 million to procuring state-of-the-art equipment for the AMRF. This includes specialised technology in metal 3D printing, precision machining and composite manufacturing, robotics and automation, digitisation, engineering design, and metrology.
Procurement of these advanced manufacturing technologies is underway in preparation for the opening of the First Building in 2024.
(Image: Artist's impression of the AMRF)
AMRF Stage 2
Scheduled to open late 2026, the second stage of the AMRF service will focus on advanced semiconductor and electronics manufacturing to address capability needs in defence and aerospace as well as catalysing growth of emerging electronics industries.
The AMRF works closely with the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer and the Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau to build valuable partnerships with semiconductor businesses and universities to ultimately provide the greatest value to microelectronics and semiconductor industry.
Building a research and innovation ecosystem in Western Sydney
Construction of the First Building at Bradfield City commenced in September 2022. It’s the start of a new industry-led ecosystem connecting and attracting local and global industry partners. The First Building will house key industry tenants, an Advanced Industry Accelerator Hub, and Stage 1 of the new Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF). It is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Advanced Industry Accelerator Hub
In December 2022, WPCA launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify suitable parties for operating an Advanced Industry Accelerator Hub within Bradfield City’s First Building. This hub aims to facilitate the growth of advanced and emerging industries, including defence.
Industry development
An Industry Development Framework has been developed, building upon the groundwork laid by the Economic Development Roadmap published in 2021. This roadmap identified growth opportunities across potential industry sectors.
In September 2022, AiGroup launched the Defence Suppliers Network, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of WPCA and Investment NSW. The primary goal of this network is to foster connections and reinforce regional defence supply chains.
Since its inception, the Defence Suppliers Network has achieved important progress. It boasts a membership of over 200 local businesses and has successfully organised a series of events. These include a Penrith event held in February 2023, an NSW investment export lunch in March 2023, and a semi-annual gathering in May 2023. In addition, the network facilitated capability training workshops during the late stages of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 to further elevate the proficiency of local industries.
Engaging the community
Western Sydney is home to some of the most diverse and engaged communities in NSW. Partnering with the community we serve remains a key priority for the WPCA.
In 2022-2023, the WPCA undertook an active community engagement program.
Activities focused on updating the community on the progress of our key programs, including the delivery of Bradfield City, learner and business opportunities available through the NETM, and awareness of the AMRF.
To support this work, the WPCA produced a range of new engagement materials such as one page factsheets, digestible social media content, and a refreshed website for improved user experience.
Our enhanced presence at local community and stakeholder partner events saw an active increase in engagement with our digital consumer channels, with an increase in subscriptions to social media channels and the community newsletter.
Bradfield City was also presented as a real-life case study to schools in the region as part of an inquiry-based learning program.
2022-23 highlights
The Koori Perspectives Circle
The WPCA is committed to working with Aboriginal communities to ensure that First Nation’s culture and achievements, past, present and future, are celebrated. The WPCA’s Koori Perspectives Circle (KPC) ensures we listen to voices of recognised and aspiring Western Sydney First Nation’s leaders and work together to deliver Australia’s newest city. In the reporting period, WPCA held four KPC meetings across Western Sydney, including Mt Druitt and Bradfield City.
(Image: Koori Perspective Circle meeting March 2023)
Liveability program
In 2022-23, the WPCA oversaw the completion of Western Sydney Liveability Program projects, with highlights including:
- A new inclusive children’s pool, accessible entry paths, picnic areas, and improved weather protection at Katoomba Aquatic Centre
- New amenities, playground, and accessible shared path at Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park
- Redevelopment of Springwood Library to provide media and group study rooms as well as improving access to the library with an accessible entrance and new lift
- Realignment of the athletics field and construction of a multipurpose amenities building at Tahmoor District Sporting Complex.
Securing investment and housing
Work is underway to drive economic development and growth in the region.
The WPCA has made notable progress in strengthening industry connections, working with businesses and institutions looking to invest or establish a presence, and coordinating efforts across government and industry.
2022-23 highlights
Industry partners
Collaboration with industry and investors has remained a priority, resulting in the addition of four new partners. This development brings the total number of partners who have signed a non-binding agreement with WPCA to 38 and demonstrates growing confidence in the private sector.
The WPCA is also currently engaged in active efforts to draw investment, including from universities, research institutions, and innovative businesses in advanced and emerging sectors.
Building upon the WPCA’s accomplishments in attracting investment for advanced manufacturing innovation infrastructure, the primary focus of the WPCA during 2022-23 has been the advancement of initiatives aimed at elevating industry productivity. These initiatives are instrumental in delivering on our pledge to generate job creation within the region.
(Image: Presentation by Executive Director Ben Kitcher)
Interagency collaboration and advocacy to support alignment of infrastructure
In December 2022, WPCA launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify suitable parties for operating an Advanced Industry Accelerator Hub within Bradfield City’s First Building. This hub aims to facilitate the growth of advanced and emerging industries, including defence.
Northern Gateway
There is significant activity underway at the Northern Gateway Precinct. In March 2022, the Aerotropolis Precinct Plan was published, converting the zoning to the equivalent Enterprise, Mixed Use, and Environment, and Recreation zones. This unlocks capacity for more housing, industry and educational facilities, a town centre, and extensive open space.
The WPCA has worked with landowners and developers in the precinct to encourage economic development proposals and support delivery of the precinct vision.
Agribusiness Precinct
Work is underway with stakeholders and industry to progress an Agribusiness Precinct identified within the Aerotropolis Precinct Plan. This precinct will unlock agribusiness export opportunities for high growth sectors like fresh and value-added food.
The WPCA has played a key role in future-proofing and advancing understanding, collaboration, and investment opportunities in the precinct.
This includes the publication of the Agribusiness Precinct Vision, which acts as a guiding document to align and target activity towards growth opportunities and preferred development in the precinct.
