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Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 10 March 2009 ONE BILLION DOLLAR, 12 000 JOB BOOST PLANNED FOR SYDNEY'S NORTH WEST Premier Nathan Rees today announced the start of public consultation on plans for the $1 billion Riverstone West Precinct. Mr Rees said that the new precinct could support around 12,000 new jobs, which is equivalent to about half of the entire Australian Army. “In total, the new land release at Riverstone West will have potential to provide 8,300 jobs in the planned business park and a further 3,700 jobs in light and general industrial areas,” Mr Rees said. “In these uncertain economic times the NSW Government will continue to support investment in the State’s future. “Supporting projects like this will boost the economy and create jobs. “Today we are taking the first step in a long-term plan to deliver more jobs closer to home in North West Sydney. “An extra 12,000 jobs in Riverstone West, will mean local residents spend less time in their cars getting to work, and more time at home with their families.” Mr Rees said that the 16 hectare business park will contribute up to 250,000m2 of commercial floor-space equivalent to three and a half Stadium Australia’s. “The precinct will also include up to 500,000m2 of industrial and light industrial floor-space. “It will be located next to the rail line, encouraging public transport use as well as walking and cycling options, which have also been integrated into the design. “There are also plans for a new road to improve access to the M7 and Windsor Road helping to reduce truck movements in surrounding residential areas. “The precinct would also be surrounded by 80 hectares of conservation areas and a further 40 hectares of recreation land - with potential for a regional sporting complex.” Mr Rees said the Government is aiming deliver a wide mix of jobs and land uses to maximise opportunities for different types of businesses to move onto the site. “Provisions have been made in the plans for a variety of types of employment, including office space, retail warehouses, storage facilities and machinery works.” Planning Minister Kristina Keneally said that today’s announcement was thanks to 14 months of hard work between the Department of Planning, Blacktown City Council, the major landowner and developer, relevant state agencies and other stakeholders. “The exhibition being announced today passes another milestone in the planning and development of the North West Growth Centre, which will eventually provide 70,000 new homes to over 200,000 new residents,” Ms Keneally said. “Through the streamlined planning processes in the North West Growth Centre we’ve already been able to rezone land for over 5,000 lots and placed plans for a further 15,500 lots on exhibition. “I encourage the community, stakeholders, council and other interested parties to find out more and provide their input. More information is available at www.gcc.nsw.gov.au. “This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to support jobs and invest in a better future for NSW and builds on: • $56 billion infrastructure program supporting more 150,000 jobs a year. • 4000 new government apprenticeships and 2000 cadetships over four years; • Urgent legislation and changes to planning policies to ensure the fastest possible delivery of the Federal Government’s stimulus package priority projects; • Changes to plans for the $1.3 billion Carlton United Breweries site which has the potential to create 5,500 ongoing jobs and 1,200 construction jobs; and • Additional commercial floor space for the Barangaroo precinct and a new ferry hub to provide transport to the more than 22,000 people who will live and work there.
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