Penrith grows over 10,000 new jobs

Sunday, 5 August 2018

Council’s work to grow the economy and deliver more local jobs is paying off with recent data showing more than 10,000 new jobs have been created in Penrith City over the last five years.

Council's work to grow the economy and deliver more local jobs is paying off with recent data showing more than 10,000 new jobs have been created in Penrith City over the last five years.

The data, from Australia's leading economic modellers, the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR), shows that between 2012 and 2017 the number of jobs in Penrith City surged from 70,076 to 80,662.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said creating more local jobs was a high priority for Council and the community, and these 10,000 jobs were just the "tip of the iceberg."

"This means 10,000 more opportunities for people to work locally instead of leaving our City each day, which is a very welcome change. It's the result of Council's commitment to create more jobs and a more vibrant local economy," said Cr Thain.

"The boost in jobs shows the effectiveness of our Economic Development Strategy - a framework for how we support business development, foster greater investment in our City and deliver on our target of 55,000 more local jobs by 2031.

"Building on this growth, Penrith can also look to the future with confidence as game-changing developments within our region further energise our economy and deliver more jobs close to home.

"With the new Western Sydney Airport on our doorstep and major government investment in road and rail upgrades set to enhance connectivity, Penrith will become an international destination for jobs and services.

"Our community can also look forward to the construction of the Sydney Science Park at Luddenham, an internationally recognised epicentre for research and development that's poised to create 12,000 knowledge-based jobs.

"And of course The Quarter, Penrith's award-winning health and education precinct, is forecast to deliver an additional 6,000 local jobs along with investment and lifestyle opportunities over the next decade," Cr Thain said.

Cr Thain also noted Australian Bureau of Statistics data which highlights people living in Penrith don't want to leave.

"Data shows only 6.4% of residents moved away from Penrith between 2015-2016. That's the fourth lowest departure rate for a Local Government Area in NSW; only trailing Sutherland Shire, Blue Mountains and Warringah," said Cr Thain.

"It's easy to see why people want to call Penrith home. Our City boasts a remarkable lifestyle, with access to pristine natural assets, open spaces, recreational activities, quality education and health care facilities and a variety of housing choice. Plus we'll be better connected than ever with new roads, rail and an international airport in the next decade.

"Backed-up by our robust local economy; increased job opportunities close to home, and large scale infrastructure projects underway to better connect our region, Penrith is brimming with potential and a magnet for people and future investment," Cr Thain said.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Sunday, 5 August 2018.