Camden, once far removed from suburban Sydney and now part of the rapidly expanding south-west metropolitan area, has along with other towns in the local government area (LGA), a wealth of interesting historic buildings and sites – a heritage Camden Council wants to protect.
At the same time council seeks to attract investment and create jobs for a population expected to increase from 80,000-plus to almost 230,000 by 2036 Indicative of the growth of the LGA are figures for building approvals in recent years.
The LGA, predominantly residential, has seen such approvals increase over a five-year period to 2016-17 from 1212 to 2731, up 125 per cent.
Non-residential approvals in the industrial and commercial areas around Camden, Narellan and Smeaton Grange have increased from 90 to 244, up 154 per cent, over the same five-year period – 387 approvals have been granted in the financial year to November 2017.
The LGA has a gross regional product (GRP) of $3.5 billion (2016), up by 14.9 per cent on the previous year.
To drive the economic development and commercial appeal of the area, council initiated an independent business group, the Camden Region Economic Taskforce, last year.
“The transformation anticipated for our area within the next 20 years places us in a unique position to develop business opportunities and attract commercial investment,” said Mayor Lara Symkowiak on the establishment of the taskforce.
“It’s important that we apply a strategic approach to economic development to maintain the character of each town centre and offer a diversity of products, services and experiences across the area.
“We are very fortunate to have Ms [Adriana] Care as chairperson of the taskforce [she] is a successful business owner with the proven skills and experience needed to be a passionate advocate for the economic development of our area.”
Ms Care, a past president of Narellan Chamber of Commerce, said at the time of her appointment that the area was in need of a strong business leadership group to actively
lobby for business growth and the formalisation of an economic development strategy.
The taskforce has recently advertised for an executive officer.
The taskforce is an independent company run by a board of directors comprising Adriana Care (chairperson), principal solicitor of Coutts Solicitors & Conveyancers and legal practitioner; Peter Sidgreaves, IT manager, Sydney Catholic Schools; Belinda McLean, owner and GM of Human Resources Focus; Peter Campbell, accountant and partner of Kelly Partners; Lara Symlowiak, Mayor of Camden Council; Peter Meadows, owner/operator of McDonalds Restaurants in South West Sydney; Bruce Hanrahan, principal solicitor, Dignam and Hanrahan Solicitors.
