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Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting has urged the NSW Government to prioritise planning reform and community outcomes as Western Sydney continues its rapid transformation. Speaking at the Property Council’ s Three Big Cities, Three Bold Visions forum in Parramatta in June, Mayor Bunting emphasised the need for better urban design, sustainability, and liveability— particularly in the face of rising urban heat and increasing infrastructure demands.
“ Blacktown is one of Australia’ s fastestgrowing cities, with around 450,000 residents today and a forecast population of more than 600,000 within the next two decades,” Mayor Bunting said.“ We’ re not just building infrastructure— we’ re building community.”
He noted that achieving this vision requires strong collaboration between councils, state government, and developers, especially as planning controls evolve. Blacktown City Council is committed to creating neighbourhoods that promote connection, liveability, and sustainable growth, backed by long-term planning and proven delivery.
To date, Blacktown City has secured over $ 273 million through the NSW Government’ s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program. These funds are supporting transformational
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projects such as the renewal of Mount Druitt Town Centre, the development of libraries and community hubs at Seven Hills and Mount Druitt, new swimming and aquatic centres, a First Nations Cultural Hub, and enhancements to the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. Together, these initiatives foster learning, culture, recreation, and community connection.
Council is also partnering with Walker Corporation on the $ 2.5 billion Blacktown Quarter redevelopment— set to revitalise the city centre with new commercial, retail, and public spaces. This ambitious project aims to spark investment, drive economic growth, and serve as a dynamic focal point for the wider region.
Detailed planning is underway for key growth precincts in Seven Hills, Doonside, Rooty Hill, and Mount Druitt, supported by a $ 1.5 million grant from the Federal Housing Support Program. These precincts could deliver up to 50,000 new homes, addressing the demand for diverse, welllocated housing connected to jobs and infrastructure.
“ Council leads the shaping of our city,” Mayor Bunting said.
“ We invest in infrastructure, set clear planning expectations, and create space for quality development. We’ re not after just any growth— we’ re committed to growth that delivers long-term value for
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Aerial view of Blacktown City.
the community.”
Council is also advocating for the NSW Government to support the proposed Metro corridor between Tallawong and St Marys, including identifying new station locations and master-planned urban renewal areas. The aim is to better align housing, employment, and services with
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accessible transport. Blacktown City’ s involvement in the forum underscores its role as a key player in Greater Sydney’ s development.
“ Events like this highlight the power of shared vision and strong partnerships to shape a brighter future for Western Sydney,” Mayor Bunting said.
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