This is the rate and State of our City

Media Release 27 June 2019.
This is the rate and State of our City.

It was deliberately intense. A tight program with a cross section of talented speakers that presented lots of ideas for our future city. The sheer pace of the day is testament to the rapid growth rate of Parramatta – the Beating Heart of Greater Sydney – and its current rate of growth and forecast predictions are no longer light years away. It’s happening, it’s happening now, and the rate of growth will only intensify. SOTC 2019 showcased the movers and shakers that make this city great.

SOTC is a Parramatta Chamber of Commerce event which has become a respected platform to update the business community about the development of the city and every aspect that shapes it.

Schon Condon says “The SOTC highlights the opportunities that will help forward the future of our city as the State’s second largest CBD, and the Parramatta Chamber is proud to provide this platform to enable the business and broader community to hear firsthand about what will truly make this city the beating heart of Greater Sydney, and a significant player in the economy of NSW.”

With his down to earth personality and strong stage presence Tim Gilbert MC and moderator welcomed the record crowd for SOTC held on Friday 21 June at the new Bankwest Stadium.
The Hon Stuart Ayres, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney reinforced the State Government’s commitment to the Western Sydney region and its support structure in enabling business growth.
Clr Andrew Wilson, Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta welcomed us to the city and said the Parramatta LGA is experiencing a bold transformation. Rik Hart, acting CEO sharing council’s insights on the plans for the Westmead Precinct and how we will connect the way we live, work and play.

“As Sydney’s Central City and second CBD, Parramatta is truly Australia’s most connected city. Our young and highly-educated population has soared in line with our rapidly growing economy, matched by game-changing transport and infrastructure,” Cr Wilson said.

“Parramatta offers world-class jobs in health, finance, education, and professional services, with workers, residents, and visitors served by thriving retail and entertainment precincts. Parramatta is already a dynamic commercial, residential, and transport hub, but our future is even more exciting.” said City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson.

Our Keynote Speaker Mark McCrindle was incredibility intriguing with decoding the future generations and the rapid population trends that will shape this city. David Borger OAM from Western Sydney
Business Chamber touched on the value and positioning of the future of Arts & Culture in the city and
the importance of artistic advantage with a city like Parramatta. Daniel Smith, economist at HSBC
delivered the economic realities for the city.

Rick Graf, Development Director from Billbergia Group challenged the city’s ability to service the city
and the importance of connectivity and maximising opportunities for a central city.

President of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce Schon Condon RFD reflected on the Beating Heart
of Greater Sydney and reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to grow and support the business
community with a voice to ensure accountability, transparency and a meaningful role in the future.

The audience got an opportunity to put questions to the Panel who was further complimented by Julie
Owens MP and Dr Andy Marks from Western Sydney University. Dr Andy Marks also provided an
update on how Education will further transform our city.

Thank you to Principal Partner Walker Corporation who is delivering Parramatta one of the largest
urban renewal projects in the country with the $2.7 billion Parramatta Square Development which will
revitalise Parramatta city centre with premium grade office space, a multi-level retail podium and civic
facilities.

Thank you to our major partner City of Parramatta and support partners HSBC, Western Sydney
Business Chamber, Billbergia Group and Belgrin.