Camden Council has released The Time Is Now - Camden's State and Federal Election Priorities for 2025-2027, outlining the urgent need for investment in transport, road infrastructure, education and healthcare to support one of Australia's fastest-growing regions.
Camden's population is expected to reach more than 257,000 by 2046; an increase of 81%. As the region continues to grow, there is unprecedented demand for essential services and infrastructure for the Camden community.
With the 2025 and 2027 Australian and NSW Government Elections approaching, Camden Council is calling on all levels of government to prioritise the funding of critical infrastructure projects to ensure Camden remains a vibrant and connected community.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said the region was at a turning point.
"Camden is growing at an extraordinary rate, and while this presents enormous opportunities, it also creates significant challenges," she said.
"Without urgent investment in key infrastructure and services, our community risks being left behind. The Time Is Now is our call to action - we need strong partnerships with the State and Federal Governments to deliver the essential projects that Camden residents deserve."
The advocacy document lays out what Camden needs from the State and Federal Governments across five key priorities.
- Essential rail services:
- Southern Extension of Sydney Metro WSA (North-South Line) - connecting Macarthur to Bradfield via Oran Park and Narellan.
- South West Rail Link Extension - extending from Leppington to Bradfield to improve public transport connectivity and support the Western Sydney International Airport.
- Critical road infrastructure:
- Camden Bypass Extension - reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety.
- Spring Farm Parkway Extension (Stage 2) - connecting key transport corridors to ease congestion for commuters and freight vehicles.
- Leppington Road Network - upgrading rural-standard roads to support the existing community and rapid population growth.
- Camden Valley Way Upgrade - increasing capacity and improving efficiency to unlock housing and address severe congestion.
- Raby Road Upgrade - enhancing east-west connectivity between Camden and Campbelltown LGAs.
- Rickard Road Upgrade - ensuring a critical connection between Oran Park and Leppington is delivered.
- The Western Sydney Rapid Bus project:
- Delivery of a high-speed, reliable rapid bus network connecting Camden to the Western Sydney International Airport, when it opens in 2026.
- A service which is integrated with existing transit networks and connected with key hubs such as Leppington and Bradfield.
- Investment in schools and education:
- Delivering new primary and secondary schools to meet demand, ensuring they are well-planned and appropriately located.
- Increasing the minimum size of school sites to allow for essential infrastructure and open space.
- Addressing capacity issues in existing schools, where demountable classrooms are reducing outdoor play spaces.
- Ensuring early childhood education services are expanded in line with Camden's growing population of young families.
- Investment in new and existing healthcare:
- Securing a site for a new public hospital between Oran Park and the Western Sydney International Airport.
- Redeveloping Camden Hospital to expand services and enhance palliative and allied care.
- Establishing co-located integrated health hubs in Oran Park and Leppington to provide comprehensive medical and social services.
"We cannot afford to wait," Mayor Cagney said. "The opportunity is here now with the Western Sydney International Airport coming very soon and continued significant growth in our region. We need immediate action to ensure Camden thrives, rather than struggles, through this transformation."
To learn more about advocacy in Camden or to view the full document, visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au/advocacy.
