Doing more with less: Unlocking Western Sydney’s future through smarter infrastructure planning
Doing more with less: Unlocking Western Sydney’s future through smarter infrastructure planning
Western Sydney is at the heart of Australia’s growth story. Over the next two decades, the region’s population is projected to surge by 50 per cent, from two million to three million people. Already, nearly one-third of New South Wales’ workforce calls Western Sydney home, a figure which is set to rise significantly. This transformation presents both an extraordinary opportunity and a formidable challenge: how do we deliver the infrastructure and housing needed to support this growth in a way that is efficient, sustainable, and future-ready?
The Government has committed billions to the region’s development:
- $25 billion for infrastructure projects to bring the Aerotropolis to life
- $4 billion for new and upgraded schools
- $3.5 billion for hospitals
- $5.5 billion for major road projects, including the M12 Motorway, Fifteenth Avenue, Richmond Road, and Homebush Bay Drive.
These investments are bold, but funding is finite, and every dollar must deliver maximum value. That’s where the principle of ‘doing more with less’ becomes critical.
What does doing more with less mean?
It’s not about reducing ambition but rather smarter planning, integration, and innovation by:
1. Prioritising multi-outcome infrastructure
A single project should unlock multiple benefits. Take Richmond Road: beyond easing traffic flow, it enables housing, supports freight and industry access, and mitigates flood risks. Similarly, the Western Sydney Freight Line will shift heavy logistics off roads, reducing emissions and freeing road space for other users. This is a win for efficiency and sustainability.
2. Coordinating across agencies and sectors
Infrastructure cannot be planned in silos. The Fifteenth Avenue upgrade is more than a transport link; it’s a connector between Liverpool and the Aerotropolis, supporting jobs, housing, and economic growth. But success depends on synchronising enabling water, energy, and digital infrastructure alongside transport.
3. Enabling housing through infrastructure
Housing supply must be aligned with infrastructure delivery. Roads, rail, utilities, and community services are the foundations of liveable communities and great places. Unlocking land near jobs, education, and transport - not just on the fringes - will reduce congestion, shorten commutes, and improve quality of life.
The role of private capital
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) offer a powerful lever to accelerate delivery, share risk, and unlock innovation. The private sector is ready to co-invest if government provides clarity, certainty, and a pipeline of investable projects. Success stories like the NSW Renewable Energy Zone Program show what’s possible when opportunities align.
Doing more with less doesn’t mean less ambition or less impact - it means more efficient and integrated planning, and embracing technology and innovation.
How BDO can help
At BDO, our project & infrastructure advisory team partners with government and industry to deliver smarter, more sustainable outcomes. From strategic planning and feasibility studies to investment cases with tailored funding models and potential PPP structuring solutions, we help unlock value and accelerate delivery.
Ready to shape Western Sydney’s future?
Connect with our team today to explore how we can support your infrastructure and investment agenda.
