FAQs

Local economic development is about making life better for people through business activities that create more opportunities, more jobs and a stronger local economy.

Local economic development is a team effort involving Council, local businesses, community organisations and residents. 

It’s not just about business growth. It’s about building a city where people can: 

• access jobs near home 
• start or grow a business 
• learn new skills and get training 
• benefit from a thriving, inclusive economy.

Council doesn’t control the economy, but we can make it easier for businesses and residents to succeed. We do this by: 

• planning land and neighbourhoods that support businesses and housing 
• efficiently approving new developments 
• building and maintaining infrastructure like transport, roads and public spaces 
• running programs to support business growth and skills of residents 
• advocating for investment and partnerships that benefit the city. 

Council can positively influence the business environment so Blacktown City can thrive economically, socially and culturally.

Blacktown City has approximately 460,000 residents and this is growing by 10,000 people per year. This rate of growth puts significant pressure on jobs, services and transport. 

The Economic development strategy: Discussion paper outlines actions that Council can undertake that seeks to ensure the city plans proactively for economic growth and opportunities that meet community needs.  

Blacktown City Council’s previous economic development strategy ended in 2021. Since then, major changes have occurred including rapid population growth, new transport infrastructure proposals, major precinct redevelopments, and significant shifts in the economic landscape. 

A new strategy is needed to guide Council’s economic role, respond to new opportunities, and address challenges that have emerged over the past five years and accord with the Community Strategic Plan.

Council engaged SGS Economics and Planning from November 2024 to May 2025 to prepare the Blacktown City Economic Development and Employment Research Paper, dated May 2025. This research analysed land use, industry sectors, employment trends, business conditions and economic challenges across the entire Blacktown City area. The findings have been incorporated into the Discussion Paper to ensure it is evidence-based and reflects regional economic conditions.

Initial engagement included conversations with education providers, business and community organisations, and employment agencies. Feedback highlighted issues such as transport, barriers for skilled migrants, lack of night-time activity, and advanced manufacturing opportunities. This input has been synthesised and built into the themes and actions you see in the Discussion Paper.

All councils operate under financial constraints such as rate-capping, increasing service costs, and limits on developer contributions. The strategy will help Council prioritise the most cost-effective and impactful actions. Community feedback will play an important role in determining which initiatives provide the greatest value, and where partnerships or grant funding are needed.

There is already a strong foundation for economic development in Blacktown City through the range of existing projects and initiatives underway, including:

• the $2 billion redevelopment of Blacktown CBD, which will be catalytic in driving job creation, expanding commercial floor space within the city, and enabling vibrant mixed-use activity, including thriving night-time economy
• the range of transformational projects being delivered under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants (WSIG)
• Council’s land-use planning, including actively planning for additional housing, renewal of multiple local centres, and advocating and planning for transport
• Council’s range of exciting events it runs
• Council’s arts, cultural and community development initiatives.

Further opportunities include harnessing Blacktown City’s relative location to the Western Sydney Airport and Aerotropolis, enhancing advanced manufacturing development, the visitor economy, cultural and creative industries, skills development, creation of local jobs, and harnessing the strengths of a diverse, young population. 

Council alone cannot deliver all economic outcomes. Partnerships with businesses, education providers, employment agencies, cultural organisations and other levels of government help deliver training, attract investment, generate jobs, and coordinate infrastructure that benefits the community. A future strategy will guide Council on where to prioritise these partnerships.

The Economic development strategy: Discussion paper proposes actions for feedback regarding advocating for improved public transport, strengthening internal connections, enhancing accessibility for vulnerable residents, and supporting infrastructure that makes it easier to move within the city. 

The Economic development strategy: Discussion paper proposes actions for feedback regarding a 24‑hour economy plan, improving night-time safety and lighting, enabling creative activations and cultural events, and using vacant shops for temporary creative uses.