Partnerships Plan

The Parramatta Economic Development Partnerships vision is to enable and support business development , transport infrastructure and social and environmental enhancements within Parramatta over the coming 25 years, in line with the Parramatta Twenty25 strategic framework. The strategic plan to deliver on this vision, and presented here, will concentrate on issues relating to physical developments, access, security, marketing and building an attractive destination. Whilst providing guidance as to the future direction of Parramatta, the strategic plan will be sufficiently flexible to respond to changes in the market and to new opportunities that could benefit Parramatta and ultimately, the economies of Sydney and New South Wales.

The evolution of the Parramatta Economic Development Partnerships Plan

1. NSW State Plan.

Government delivering better services and results for the community through partnerships

2. NSW Innovation Statement.

Focus on strengths and industry sectors which have a clear comparative advantage

3. NSW Metropolitan Strategy.

Highlighting Parramatta as a key regional city and economic driver within Sydney

The vision for the Sydney region in the Metro Strategy is:

• Sydney will have a competitive, innovative and adaptable economy which underpins its success in the global economy;
• Sydney will continue to offer opportunities for value-added investment, more good jobs, innovation and learning
• Economic spaces will strengthen globally competitive industry networks and clusters.

With the above vision as a backdrop, the significant parts of the NSW Metropolitan Strategy and its supporting economic facts which identify Parramatta as a strategic centre (or employment lands) and an important economic player in the development of the Sydney region and the NSW economy are:

• Almost half of all new jobs are expected to be located in Western Sydney and that the strategy will plan for this anticipated growth. Of the 2 million jobs currently in the Sydney region, 700,000 of them are in Western Sydney;
• By 2031, the majority of jobs are likely to be located in strategic centres which will provide the basis for more sustainable and targeted infrastructure and transport planning;
• There is a new emphasis on innovation. Increasingly, global competitiveness depends on investment in knowledge and innovation.
• The Government is interested in working with industry and the community to influence economic and job outcomes.

The following Metropolitan Strategy initiatives are being delivered by the Parramatta Economic Development Strategy Plan outlined in this document:

A1.3 Engage with industry regarding employment lands stocks;

A1.7 Monitor demand and supply of employment lands;

A1.8 Establish a framework for the development of business parks;

A2.1 Establish a framework to support innovation across Sydney

A2.2 Strengthen industry clusters

A2.3 Support magnet infrastructure

A2.4 Utilise local assets to encourage learning and innovation

A2.5 Promote learning city initiatives in selected centres

A3.3 Encourage emerging businesses

(Reference: NSW Metropolitan Strategy, 2006)

Given Parramatta’s strategic geographic location within the heart of the Sydney region and its location close to the orbital motorway network, its redevelopment of existing sites, its desire to develop a significant business park and its highly specialised biomedical facilities at Westmead and educational facilities at the University of Western Sydney, Parramatta is poised to become a major contributor to transforming Sydney into a multi-centred city.

4. ParramattaCity Centre Vision.

Sub-regional expression of the NSW Metropolitan Strategy including revised planning instruments, 30,000 new jobs by 2031, and 20,000 new residents by 2031

5. Parramatta Twenty25.

A 20 year strategy for Parramatta following extensive community consultation. Key priorities include:

1. Land and water that is protected, respected and sustained
2. A society that is healthy and compassionate
3. Businesses that are dynamic, prosperous and socially responsible
4. Neighbourhoods that are liveable and distinctive
5. A community that is diverse and cohesive
6. People and places linked by sustainable transport communication networks
7. A city that is innovative and inspirational

6. Parramatta Economic Development Partnerships Plan.

A four year plan of projects underpinned by economic development priorities highlighted in Twenty25 focusing on:

• Research and information provision
• Marketing the City
• Business Development
• Partnerships

The Parramatta Economic Development Partnerships Plan was developed through a series of round-table consultations with local industry sectors. Specific projects were then developed to address the issues raised by these industry consultations. This process will be repeated on an annual basis to review and discuss ongoing issues and concerns.

Summaries of previous Industry Consultations:

 Summary Property Roundtable Discussion April 2008
 Summary Events Tourism Roundtable April 2008
 Summary record of Professional Business Services Roundtable March 2007
 Summary record Creative and Innovative Roundtable March 2007
 Summary record of City Life Roundtable March 2007
 Summary record of Property Roundtable March 2007
 Summary record of Retail Sector Roundtable March 2007

7. PCC Partnerships Policy.

Leveraging on skills and resources through partnerships to deliver each project.