Two projects in Western Sydney have been given the green light, which is expected to create a construction and job boom in the region.
The projects are expected to inject $27.8 million into the economy and support more than 130 local jobs.
Planning approval has been given to a new recycling facility in Penrith, operated by NSW Waste Recycling, that will support a significant increase to waste recycling within the region. It is expected to support 25 construction jobs and 12 operational roles one complete.
The other project approved is a $26 million upgrade to the 1960’s Austral Bricks facility at Horsley Park. The upgrade aims to turn the facility into one of the most technologically advanced of its kind in the world, producing enough bricks to build five homes every hour. Its construction will support 60 jobs, with 35 ongoing operational roles expected once complete.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Western Sydney has been a big winner in the first tranche of projects that have had their assessments fast-tracked to create jobs and investment in response to COVID-19.
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“Western Sydney is undergoing significant growth, which is why we’ve fast-tracked the assessment of projects in the region over the past three weeks to create opportunities for more than 16,000 local jobs and $1.8 billion in investment,” Berejiklian said.
“The housing and construction industries will be vital to supporting our State’s economy through the pandemic and so we’re doing what we can to keep the industry moving.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the Planning System Acceleration Program was a vital lever in the state’s economic recovery.
“We have re-prioritised projects in the state’s planning system so projects are assessed more quickly to keep people in jobs and the NSW economy moving during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Stokes said.
“We’ll have another tranche of shovel-ready projects ready to announce shortly, which will also have their assessments finalised within four weeks.”
To be considered for accelerated assessment, a project must already be progressed in the planning system, deliver a public benefit, demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete, and be able to commence construction or lodge a development application within six months.