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Jul 03, 2008 at 03:33 PM |
By EMMA GRODZICKI  Premier Morris Iemma with Minister for Transport, John Watkins, Minister for Roads, Eric Roozendaal and the Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, at Penrith City Council this week to discuss the progress of the State Plan. Photo: PETER VEITH.
Almost two years have passed since NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, unveiled his plans for the State, and this week local leaders of western Sydney have been updated on its progress.
Accompanied by the Minister for Western Sydney, Barbara Perry, Minister for Transport, John Watkins, Minister for Roads, Eric Roozendaal, Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, and the Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, Mr Iemma attended a meeting at Penrith City Council on Monday to discuss the State Government’s State Plan.
Mr Iemma said the update showed the State Government was delivering on its commitments to improve services and invest in infrastructure to cope with the almost 2 million people living in Greater Western Sydney and further 500,000 people expected to locate in the region over the next 25 years.
“During the State Plan consultations, communities and local governments throughout western Sydney and across the State told us what the major challenges were and which services we could improve,” Mr Iemma said.
“There are a number of areas where we have made progress since.”
The Greater Western Sydney State Plan Update revealed a fall in property crime, while personal crime remained stable.
It also showed an improvement to emergency health care despite an increase in demand, an improvement in literacy for students in years three and five, and the creation of 22,600 extra jobs.
However, challenges remain to secure a stronger economy and better infrastructure and services.
“Transport remains a challenge but we’re working to deliver an improved and reliable rail and bus system,” Mr Iemma said, with further reference to a new weekly western Sydney bus ticket, which will give commuters a 20 per cent discount on travel, and the recently announced additional and expanded rail services on the western line.
“We’ve also increased investment in health facilities and services, including an extension to Nepean Hospital.”
Government officials and civic leaders in attendance at the meeting were given the opportunity to present further issues, and State Member for Penrith, Karyn Paluzzano, highlighted a concern with the availability of public transport services.
“In different areas throughout western Sydney, you might be close to a railway but you might not; you might have a bus service but you might not,” Ms Paluzzano said.
“Western Sydney really requires a separate public transport and infrastructure strategy, to acknowledge commuters and also those people living outside the service areas to see how they can become more connected.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ms Paluzzano presented the Premier and the key ministers with portfolios concentrating on Penrith and its needs.
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