Advocacy
We pursue projects and policies that make life better in Canterbury-Bankstown.
Advocacy is speaking up for our community to create change. It helps us influence decisions, shape policies and secure funding or services that support our City’s future.
We work with all levels of government, community groups and partners to make sure Canterbury-Bankstown’s needs are heard and acted on.
Why we speak up
Canterbury-Bankstown is one of the most diverse and dynamic areas in New South Wales. But we face big challenges - like climate change, housing, transport, waste and financial sustainability.
We set priorities based on:
- community feedback
- Council’s strategic plans and adopted positions
- current issues and opportunities.
Our advocacy focuses on what matters most to our community, as set out in our CB2036 - Community Strategic Plan.
How we take action
We advocate by:
- meeting with ministers, MPs and government agencies
- working with other councils, peak bodies and community groups
- running public campaigns and calls to action
- making submissions and funding proposals
- building partnerships to strengthen our voice
- encouraging residents to get involved and show support.
Our Mayor leads these efforts, supported by Councillors and Council staff. Together, we make sure our community’s voice is heard.
Our top priorities
These are the key issues we’re speaking up about on behalf of our community.
We face rising costs. Our residents may face higher rates or fewer services.
What we want the NSW Government to do
- Give us more freedom to decide how we raise money and set rates.
- Review how developer contributions can help pay for infrastructure.
What we want the Australian Government to do
- Work with NSW to create a better funding system for local government.
Our community is growing fast. We need homes in the right places, with schools, transport and green spaces nearby.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Support CBCity’s master plans to meet housing targets and community needs
Strengthen design and sustainability rules to create greener, climate-ready places
Set up a coordination agency to deliver healthy housing and integrated services
Fix problems caused by private certification
Invest in new schools and green infrastructure like open space and street trees
What we want the Australian Government to do
Help fund and build affordable homes, including new options for buying and renting
The Metro upgrade must improve transport and minimise disruption. Our community needs clear plans and lasting benefits from this major investment.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Provide enough buses during the shutdown for more than just affected stations
Add extra trains on the East Hills Line
Fully redevelop Bankstown Station with new public space and a bus interchange
Complete the East–West cycle path
Keep the rail link via Yagoona and Chester Hill
Prioritise the Bankstown to Liverpool Metro extension
A rail link from Kogarah to Parramatta via Bankstown will cut car use, improve job access and reshape Sydney’s economy.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Fund studies on corridors, route options and staging for the River Rail project
Bankstown is ready to grow as a jobs hub. Government support will attract investment, create skilled jobs and strengthen our economy.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Move government offices to Bankstown
Set up a taskforce to boost jobs in the Central City
Develop a plan to help local businesses move into advanced manufacturing
What we want the Australian Government to do
Move SBS to Bankstown
Include Bankstown Airport in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis development plan
A fully integrated transport hub will improve movement and create better public spaces in Bankstown's CBD.
What we want the NSW Government to do
- Take ownership of delivering the new bus interchange
- Include open space and public domain improvements in the project
The new hospital and TAFE precinct is more than a building. It’s a chance to bring education, training, healthcare and research together. It can also improve transport, open space and the surrounding area.
What we want the NSW Government to do
- Work with Council to deliver transport, open space and planning
- Ensure high-quality architectural design that creates a unique and memorable place
Dunc Grey Velodrome is a key state sporting facility. Its future is uncertain without long-term government commitment.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Commit funding for the redevelopment of the Dunc Grey Velodrome
Take full responsibility for its operation and management
Our roads are vital for moving goods and people. Congestion limits productivity and growth. Upgrades will unlock freight benefits and improve travel.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Fund upgrades for Stacey Street and Henry Lawson Drive
Improve the appearance and function of Canterbury Road
This major recreational facility in Revesby will support health and recreation. Government funding is essential to deliver it sooner.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Provide $40 million to redevelop the Max Parker Leisure and Aquatic Centre
Pollution is harming the river. Putting one agency in charge will help clean it up, protect habitats, and bring the river back to life.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Appoint one agency to take full responsibility for the Cooks River
Fund the replacement of sheet metal piling
Landfills will be full by 2036, and recycling markets are weak. Without action, Sydney cannot move to a circular economy. We need long-term solutions for waste and recycling.
What we want the NSW Government to do
- Return at least 70% of the waste levy to councils for local waste projects
- Give clear guidance and support for new waste processing facilities, including energy-from-waste plants, and step in if industry fails
- Help councils build their own waste and recycling facilities where needed
What we want the Australian Government to do
- Expand mandatory product stewardship schemes to cover more materials and set enforceable targets for producers and retailers
- Speed up a national approach to plastic packaging so it is recyclable and includes recycled content
Lakemba Nights during Ramadan is a major event that brings cultural and economic benefits. Without ongoing funding, the event cannot continue in its current form.
What we want the NSW Government to do
Provide $2 million per year for five years to fund Lakemba Nights During Ramadan
More people walking and cycling will ease traffic, improve health and cut pollution.
What we want the NSW Government to do
- Increase funding for walking and cycling paths
- Fund and build the Metro East–West walking and cycling link
- Create safe walking and cycling routes along state roads, rail lines and other major infrastructure
- Review state laws to make cycling easier and safer
The Advocacy Strategic Plan and its associated priorities are underpinned by the issues that matter most to the community and their vision as set out in the Community Strategic Plan (CBCity 2036).