The Blacktown-based Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has teamed up with Lithgow City Council in a mutually beneficial arrangement.
The recently released Lithgow Economic Development Strategy by the state government describes Lithgow as a “dormitory suburb” of Sydney.
“Lithgow is a progressive, eastward-looking council that sees significant opportunity in aligning itself with Greater Western Sydney,” said Charles Casuscelli, CEO, of WSROC, on Lithgow becoming a member of the organisation.
“Both Lithgow and Western Sydney will benefit from improving trans-Blue Mountains transport links, industry and economic connections, linking Western Sydney Airport to the agricultural, manufacturing and tourism markets of Central NSW.
“By working with Lithgow, WSROC seeks to maximise opportunities for the businesses and communities of Western Sydney; opportunities which will benefit everyone.”
Mr Casuscelli said there was little doubt about the growth of Western Sydney over the next 20 years,
“In particular, the new Western Sydney Airport will create significant opportunities for communities on both sides of the Blue Mountains, and we very much look forward in working with Lithgow Council to harness these.”
Lithgow mayor, Cr Stephen Lesslie, said Lithgow Council would continue to support the membership of CENTROC (the Central Regional of Councils, based in Orange) as an “observer” as it transitioned to the Central NSW Region Joint Organisation.
WSROC and Lithgow Council noted three major benefits of the membership: Lithgow is strategically positioned to support Sydney’s growth to the west; Lithgow is the closest city that offers agricultural, manufacturing and industrial bases on which to build future opportunities on the other side of the Blue Mountains; and the opportunity exists to connect tourism in Western Sydney with tourism west of the Mountains.
Another regional institution, Western Sydney University, has spread its footprint in Central NSW with a presence in Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange.
