I recently attended a Committee for Sydney function at which we were introduced to Jim Betts, Secretary of the new State government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. The Sydney Olympic Park Authority now falls within this cluster in the redefined machinery of the NSW government.

Jim indicated that the Planning group will be putting forward a strategic business case to Cabinet for the development of the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula area (GPOP) that will set priorities for development here over 5, 10 and 20 years.

The document will analyse the need for and cost of infrastructure and the opportunity costs from not investing. This has the potential to be a breakthrough piece of work in developing a plan for the future of our Olympic precinct. Jim also made general comments about the importance of doing ‘front end’ thinking about planning approval processes, rather than making proponents go through expensive processes where outcomes are unclear because the rules are ad hoc. He concluded by remarking that community engagement needed to be upscaled – something that the Business Association is actively pursuing through its Members and affiliates.

With the successful opening of the North West Metro in late May, the NSW Government has released a Corporate Plan for Metro 2019 – 2021. This Corporate Plan articulates the overarching strategic direction and intentions for Sydney Metro to keep it focussed on the fundamentals of safe and reliable services, effective placemaking, project delivery, and on socially, environmentally and financially responsible business operations. Sydney Metro will continue to deliver immense public value for New South Wales, and we look forward to an announcement in the next few months on the timing and funding for Metro West. The full Sydney Metro Corporate Plan 2019 – 2021 can be accessed here

June marks the end of this financial year. It’s always a busy time for businesses large and small as plans are made and budgets allocated for the 12 months ahead. But how many of you spend a lot of time on your IT budget? Business Association Member Chill IT has prepared a handy guide to ensure that your IT environment is in top condition for the new financial year. There is further information here

And finally, winter is here!  It is terrific to have some much-needed rain but do rug up, stay warm and well, and don’t forget your flu shot. There is further information here

Allison Taylor

CEO