Some of Greater Western Sydney’s greatest minds came together last week, to discuss how to grow the cities of the West.

The theme of this year’s Boomtown! Summit, run by the Western Sydney Leadership

Dialogue, was “How Greater Western Sydney can lead the national recovery”.

City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour said hundreds of key stakeholders and industry professionals heard from Government Ministers; Chief Executives and Captains of Industry about transport, roads, rail, the Sydney Metro, housing supply and what the future holds.

“I participated in a panel discussion about the future of innovation hubs in the Central River City, which encompasses Canterbury-Bankstown,” Mayor Asfour said.

“There was a focus on health, education, technology and advanced manufacturing, and the role they play in generating jobs and shaping Our City.

“The panel also discussed what the key differences are in city centres such as Westmead, Bankstown and Macquarie Park – and why are they ripe for investment.”

Mayor Asfour said the prospect of expanding on a number of different types ‘hubs’ in the City was very exciting.

“The hubs are essentially collectives or clusters of businesses that help to define our City and create vibe in the community,” Mayor Asfour said.

“They not only attract investment, they create jobs and promote and encourage research and innovation.

“When you look at the future of Innovation hubs in a Central River City our LGA is perfectly positioned to take advantage from a geographical and a community perspective.

“There are still some shortcomings in transport from linking the City from a north/south perspective. But there is no doubt the new Sydenham to Bankstown Metro project will assist.”