Campbelltown and the wider Macarthur region are taking a more prominent place in discussions about Sydney’s future, following a special ministerial dinner that brought together government, business, education, development and community representatives to examine the region’s next phase of growth and investment.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully was the keynote speaker at the event hosted by the Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce. His address focused on the NSW Government’s planning priorities and the broader Sydney Plan, highlighting Macarthur’s position within the changing economic and urban landscape of Western Sydney.
The gathering gave local business leaders and regional stakeholders an opportunity to engage directly with the State Government as Macarthur experiences significant population growth and increasing development activity. The discussions centred on ensuring that new investment delivers more than housing, with employment, transport, services and public infrastructure also keeping pace with the region’s expansion.
Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce President Shefali Pall described Macarthur as a region that had moved beyond being viewed simply as an area with future potential. She said its growing population, strategic position and proximity to major Western Sydney developments placed the region among the important areas shaping Sydney’s next stage of growth.
Ms Pall emphasised that population increases need to be accompanied by opportunities for residents. She argued that new housing should be supported by employment, stronger transport connections and well-designed community centres, while higher-density development should contribute to attractive and functional places for people to live and work.
Health, education and essential services were also identified as important considerations as more families choose Macarthur as their home. The evening’s discussions highlighted the need for long-term planning that ensures communities can access quality services while benefiting from the economic opportunities created by continued regional development.
A panel discussion followed the Minister’s presentation, bringing together perspectives from different parts of the region’s economy and institutions. Panellists included Perrich Group representative Mark Perrich, Western Sydney University Associate Professor Rosalind Bye and Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound, alongside Minister Scully.
The conversation examined how planning decisions could translate into practical benefits for residents and businesses. Topics included housing, infrastructure, local employment, investment, education and skills, with participants considering how Macarthur could develop into a region offering strong opportunities while maintaining a high standard of liveability.
Ms Pall said collaboration between government, councils, universities, developers and businesses would be critical to achieving that outcome. She also stressed the importance of recognising existing businesses and residents as active contributors to the region’s transformation rather than viewing growth solely through the lens of population numbers and construction.
Education and employment emerged as particularly important elements of the Chamber’s long-term vision. Ms Pall said young people growing up in Macarthur should be able to access quality education, develop skills, pursue careers, establish businesses and eventually raise families within the region.
The Chamber said it would continue advocating for planning decisions, infrastructure investment and development strategies that balance economic expansion with community wellbeing. The ministerial dinner ultimately reinforced Macarthur’s growing significance within Sydney’s broader development story and the importance of ensuring that future growth delivers jobs, services, connectivity and lasting opportunities for local residents.
