The Out There Summit, hosted by Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue (WSLD) at the Parramatta campus attracted more than 500 guests, including leaders from the public and private sector, to discuss issues affecting the west.
WSLD chairman Christopher Brown said the Summit was able to “bring forward great new ideas for Western Sydney, set the debate for investment, growth, governance and social inclusion, and celebrate the talent and diversity of the region.”
While Mr Turnbull said his government would work with NSW in building the fast train line to Badgerys Creek, he could not commit to a time frame or money commitment until more preliminary work was done on the project.
The Premier and Prime Minister were joined by Lucy Turnbull, whose Greater Sydney Commission office is in Parramatta, said she loved watching the development of Sydney’s second, or dual, CBD but warned that strategic planning was key to establishing sustainable and liveable cities.
“Smart government 3.0 means collaboration, communication and engagement,” she said. “If you don’t engage with citizens, you will not be able to deliver your outcomes.”
Mrs Turnbull said planning a prosperous and sustainable community meant developing a competitive global city without compromising the environment.
“To ensure people come to Parramatta, investment and development has to be well considered and well integrated,” she said.
Premier Baird reaffirmed his government’s commitment to moving the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta, although a suitable site was still being assessed.
He said the Powerhouse could become “our Smithsonian”, likening it to the world-class Washington cultural institution.
With simultaneous panel discussions in two rooms on infrastructure and development in the west, the Summit was full-on, but lightened by poetry from Bankstown Poetry Slam founders Ahmad Al Rady and Sara Mansour, who were presented with the inaugural Pemulwuy Prize for making positive change in Western Sydney.
The audience also was inspired by Sudanese lawyer Deng Adut, who is studying to be a lawyer at WSU.
