The inquiry was launched last week by the State Development Committee to consider how Sydney’s growing prominence as a global city can enhance regional development in NSW.

Mayor Bob Kirk has stated that it is very clear that the solution for the growth of Sydney is in regional NSW. “The State Government must acknowledge that regional NSW has major growth potential and is more than capable of addressing the business needs, growth and opportunities.”

After the recent disappointment of losing Ticket Masters Australia (TMA), who wanted to move to Goulburn from Fairfield, Mayor Bob Kirk is keen to keep the issue on the agenda.

“It is clear we can no longer retain TMA in NSW, but the State Government has a major responsibility to ensure no other businesses in the Sydney basin being forced out by growth pressures are lost from regional NSW as well.”  

Greg Pearce, who is Chair of the State Development Committee, stated in a media release that the inquiry will identify sectors of the economy that can provide the greatest opportunities for regional development and consider how collaboration between government, non-government and private sectors can assist the regions to benefit from Sydney’s global position.

The closing date for submissions is June 4, 2017.

Public hearings are also anticipated to be held in Sydney and regional New South Wales later this year.