The NSW government has changed the administration arrangements for Infrastructure NSW to better coordinate priorities for Western Sydney.
This work, to be led by the state’s Infrastructure Coordinator General (and CEO) Tom Gellibrand, will see Infrastructure NSW take responsibility for projects supporting key government priorities around the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Infrastructure NSW has also been granted “step in” powers to actively resolve roadblocks or delivery disagreements between agencies.
Gellibrand said mismatches between agency priorities and timelines were creating unnecessary delays.
“I am proud to support the NSW government priorities of increasing housing supply, enabling the transition of our energy supply, and coordinating infrastructure to support the delivery of the Aerotropolis,” he said.
“Today’s announcement strengthens the role Infrastructure NSW has already been playing in coordinating infrastructure delivery for the people of NSW.
“We will continue to work with agencies to improve the whole-of-government coordination of infrastructure delivery to support housing and population growth across the state, as well as coordinating infrastructure to support the Aerotropolis.”
This follows recent MoGs that have brought many public service functions under the control of central agencies — particularly the Premier’s Department.
These include functions previously performed by the NSW Public Service Commission, and the Premier’s office adopting Investment NSW and the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer in their entirety.
The most major change is the renaming of the Western Parkland City Authority to the Bradfield Development Authority. It’s new focus will be solely delivering Bradfield Town Centre and supporting investment attraction within the Aerotropolis.
The renamed authority will be led by new CEO Ken Morrison, who starts in the role on August 5.
Morrison said he will also continue in his current role as chair of Metropolitan Memorial Parks.
“This is a true legacy project for Sydney which will provide a new economic base for Western Sydney for generations to come,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Board chaired by Jennifer Westacott, Department Secretary Kiersten Fishburn, the staff team and partners across government, business and industry.”
Infrastructure in Western Sydney has been a problem for residents in the region for more than a decade. Residents of Western Sydney have complained of poor quality roads, schools and hospitals. Recent boosts in funding have been directed primarily to projects that are running behind time, and/or over budget.