Nine in ten businesses surveyed across Western Sydney say new rail and Metro connections will be critical to the region’s economic success, with a new report warning that transport, services and skills must keep pace with population growth.
The findings carry implications for Hawkesbury employers, commuters and tourism operators as investment around Western Sydney International Airport reshapes the region’s economy.
A Vision of 2050: What business wants next for Western Sydney, produced by Business Western Sydney and KPMG Australia, draws on responses from 286 businesses operating across a region that includes the Hawkesbury.
Of those surveyed, 91 per cent regarded new rail and Metro lines as critical to economic success by 2050, while 86 per cent identified them as a government investment priority.
Three-quarters identified inadequate transport infrastructure as a major risk to the region reaching its economic potential.
Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said major infrastructure projects needed to be followed by investment in the communities and businesses around them.
“But these milestones are the beginning, not the end. Businesses are telling us that the next generation of rail connections, housing, schools, hospitals and skilled workers will be essential to building the economy around them,” Mr Borger said.
“For decades, Western Sydney was the part of Sydney people left each morning to find work and opportunity elsewhere. We now have a remarkable chance to change that story.”
The report identifies potential connections between St Marys and Tallawong, Bradfield and Leppington, and through Oran Park and Narellan to Campbelltown. These proposals are at different stages of development.
The survey results are regional figures, with no separate Hawkesbury breakdown provided.
Bradfield Development Authority chair Jennifer Westacott said transport planning needed to reflect where people would work and travel in the future.
“Sydney cannot keep planning every major journey around the CBD. Stronger north–south links, connections to South West Sydney and a high-speed rail network serving the airport and Parramatta are all essential for the region’s future success,” she said.
Population growth was another strong theme. Ninety-one per cent of respondents said it needed to be matched by greater infrastructure investment.
The report puts Western Sydney’s projected population at 3.2 million by 2041, up from about 2.6 million in 2026.
Preliminary KPMG modelling illustrates the economic stakes. It compares official population projections with a hypothetical scenario involving lower population growth and a modest increase in avoidable congestion costs.
Under those assumptions, cumulative regional economic output over 15 years would be almost $14 billion lower in present-value terms. The modelling is illustrative and does not calculate the cost of delaying any particular infrastructure project.
For Hawkesbury’s visitor economy, the survey also identifies a promotional gap. Only 20 per cent of respondents believed enough was being done to promote Western Sydney as a tourism and business events destination.
The report suggests developing experiences that encourage visitors to stay for several days, an approach with potential relevance to Hawkesbury accommodation providers, food producers, hospitality businesses and attractions.
Business confidence remained positive. Sixty-seven per cent planned further investment in Western Sydney over the next 12 to 24 months, while 70 per cent were confident it would be a great place to do business in 2050.
However, only seven per cent strongly believed the education and training system was ready to support the region’s future industries.
KPMG Australia’s Greater Western Sydney lead Helen Hamilton-James said businesses’ confidence was being backed by plans to invest, expand and employ.
The survey was conducted between 4 August and 11 September 2026 among Business Western Sydney and local chamber of commerce networks. The report is scheduled to launch at Powerhouse Parramatta on Monday evening, 9 November.
