The Challenge:
Developing the first City Deal in Australia needed to be realised through creating an agreement between the Federal and NSW governments and the councils of Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly to commit funding and resources to long-term strategies and infrastructure for the development of Western Sydney.
What we did:
Astrolabe Group worked directly with the eight participating councils to develop a vision for local government and negotiate on their behalf in the Deal’s development.
This process was highly collaborative with the councils. A matrix was developed to identify priorities and issues as well the unique needs of each council area. We worked closely with the leaders of each council to foster relationships and progress the negotiations. Additional briefings were held with Mayors and an open forum was facilitated with councillors to ensure a shared vision was achieved. We represented Council with both the State and Federal levels of Government to advocate for identified priorities.
A 100-page discussion paper offering a shared vision for the area was produced with the commitments for the Deal – connectivity, jobs for the future, skills and education, liveability and the environment, planning and housing, implementation and governance.
Results:
- The first deal of its kind in Australia, setting a clear vision and funded initiatives to build a region signed by all levels of government on 4 March 2018
- An implementation place with 38 commitments to deliver a thriving future-focused city that is highly connected, innovate and liveable
Client testimonials:
“The eight Western Sydney City Deal Councils thank you for your exceptional contribution to the process that brought about the historic signing of the City Deal involving local, state and federal governments. Your professional advice and guidance played a critical role in convincing all the players to remain at the table; while your personal qualities of good humour, perseverance and preparedness to go the extra mile earned the respect of all the Mayors, General Managers and Lead Officers involved in the lengthy process”.
Photograph source: Wollondilly Shire Council