LIP Newsletter - Q1 2026
G’day,
Liverpool is entering a defining period. The past few months have seen the continued momentum of Western Sydney International Airport and the launch of UOW’s Liverpool campus. The scale of change is visible and accelerating.
This quarter also brought challenges, including the disappointing decision on SBS staying in Artarmon. As we head into federal and state budget season, Liverpool will be looking for more wins. This means better pathways for young people, stronger support for startup innovation and investment that reflects the city’s potential.
Regards
David Borger
UOW Liverpool Big Opening
The University of Wollongong’s new campus at Liverpool Civic Place marks a major step forward for the city. Opened in March by Federal Education Minister Jason Clare with Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu and Mayor Ned Mannoun, it’s a long-term investment in South West Sydney’s future.
Set within an iconic council building and award-winning library, this is where education meets city-building. With leading facilities in cybersecurity, health and biosciences, the campus is built to connect students, researchers and industry, supporting workforce demand in critical sectors.
Since 2017, UOW Liverpool has grown from 240 to more than 1,600 students, most from Western and South West Sydney.
Stage two, due mid-2028, will deliver 11 storeys of new space and life sciences facilities, further cementing Liverpool as a key innovation precinct for Greater Sydney.
Towards Liverpool 2050
The Liverpool Innovation Precinct Steering Committee welcomed an address from Mayor Ned Mannoun last week, outlining a refreshed vision for the city to 2050.
With Liverpool emerging as a university city and the Western Sydney International Airport nearing completion, the Mayor highlighted the need for a Metro link from Bankstown through Liverpool to the airport. “All of a sudden you could be doing a class in Sydney or Liverpool CBD and then 15 minutes later you’re in Bradfield,” he said.
He also noted it’s time to move beyond outdated perceptions of South West Sydney, pointing to a fast-transforming region of “the youngest and brightest minds” and the need to attract greater corporate investment.
New skills initiatives include a potential “Robotics Gym” with the Perich Institute and a “Robotics Playground” at the Liverpool Powerhouse, giving students across the LGA free, hands-on STEM access. “We cannot replicate the infrastructure to teach these kids robotics at every single school, so we think the Powerhouse would be a great opportunity for that,” the Mayor said.
Council will step up advocacy to the NSW Government ahead of the 2027 State Election.
Liverpool Centre Stage at Summit
Last week’s Business Western Sydney Education Summit reinforced a simple truth: education is the backbone of the future workforce. Bringing schools, universities, training providers and industry together sparked the kind of practical, honest conversation Western Sydney needs.
The summit also marked the release of What Western Sydney Can Be: Building Tomorrow’s Education System, a report shaped by months of consultation across the sector.
Building on good work underway by the Commonwealth and NSW governments, it sets out a clear plan to meet 2050 workforce demand. Key recommendations include faster school planning approvals (particularly Catholic and Independent schools), expanded TAFE Centres of Excellence and trade-focused high schools, and more university places and campuses closer to home.
Strong contributions on stage from Zoe Terpening (UNSW), Jennifer Cundasamy (TAFE) and UOW’s Dr Dilan Thampapillai reinforced Liverpool’s growing role in shaping Western Sydney’s education future.
Building Medical AI Talent
The Ingham Institute, in partnership with Unity Grammar and the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, is launching a new Medical AI Schools Challenge to help prepare the next generation of health and tech leaders in South West Sydney.
Planned for late 2026 and hosted at the Perich Centre for Robotics and Health Technology, the challenge will bring together around 80 high school STEM students to tackle real-world healthcare problems using AI. Working in teams, students will develop practical, AI-driven solutions across areas like medical imaging, diagnostics and healthcare workflows.
The program connects students with universities, clinicians, researchers and industry mentors, while building an understanding of ethical AI in healthcare.
Supported by Liverpool City Council, the initiative aligns with LIP’s goal of growing a future-ready local workforce and positioning the region as a leader in responsible medical AI innovation.
Motoring Ahead
The Aerotropolis has received a major boost with the opening of the toll-free M12 motorway, alongside planning approval for a $1 billion ALDI automated distribution centre.
The 16-kilometre M12 links Elizabeth Drive to The Northern Road and will connect to the M7 once the full interchange opens later this year.
This creates a high-speed gateway to Western Sydney International Airport, enabling faster movement of workers, travellers and freight to key centres including Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith and Blacktown.
The ALDI facility, roughly the size of 15 soccer fields, will support around 3,700 construction jobs and more than 580 ongoing roles, servicing over 200 NSW supermarkets.
Together, these developments position the Aerotropolis to reshape the region’s supply chains.
Launch of Singapore Flights
Liverpool residents can now be among the first to book international flights from the new airport, with Singapore Airlines launching daily services from 23 November 2026.
The late-night departures will arrive in Singapore early the following morning, offering fast onward connections to countries across Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.
Having a 24-hour international gateway will provide Liverpool’s highly multicultural communities with easier access to family, business and cultural links across the region. The airport also boosts local tourism, trade and education opportunities.
Residents and businesses in Liverpool will benefit from a direct, efficient connection to more than 130 destinations worldwide. Additional major flight announcements are expected in the coming months.
Step onto the Runway
Western Sydney International Airport will open its runway to the community for a truly once-in-a-lifetime event with the Runway Run Walk on Sunday 26 April. For one day only, participants can run or walk on the brand-new tarmac ahead of the airport’s official opening later this year.
Delivered in partnership with Elite Energy, the event will support the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, raising funds for vital care for children and families across New South Wales. With a range of running events and a community walk, the day is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all ages and abilities.
Western Sydney International Airport is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the country and a major driver of future jobs and growth. Opening the runway to the public reflects a strong commitment to community connection and shared benefit alongside economic development.
Further details and registrations are available via the event website.
SBS Campaign Goes On
The recent decision not to base SBS production in Liverpool is disappointing, and a missed strategic opportunity for both the broadcaster and our region. Liverpool offered a home in one of Australia’s most diverse and fastest-growing multicultural communities.
In the words of David Borger, Chair of the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, “the campaign must continue”. He emphasised that Western Sydney is home to more than one in 10 Australians, making the region crucial to SBS’s mission.
Mayor Ned Mannoun told the LIP Steering Committee he is actively considering further ways Liverpool can support creative and media initiatives. The Council will explore offering the Liverpool Powerhouse at no cost to anchor SBS locally.
Liverpool remains one of several Western Sydney centres advocating for SBS. While current budget constraints are acknowledged, we will continue making the case for investment in broadcasting that truly reflects modern Sydney.
Smart Navigation Tool
A team of UNSW students has developed a smart, practical idea showing how innovation can improve everyday safety in Liverpool. Through UNSW Employability’s Innovator Pro program, the students created Street Alert, a crowdsourced navigation tool to help nighttime workers travel safely to their car or public transport.
The concept could integrate with existing apps, providing real-time info on lighting, activity and safer routes, while generating data to support better policy and planning. It’s a strong example of student ideas translating into real public benefit.
Innovator Pro lets students work on live challenges with government and industry, building practical skills. The Street Alert team’s engagement with Liverpool Council and the NSW 24 Hour Economy Commissioner highlights the value of connecting young talent with local decision makers.
If you are seeking to involve students in your project initiatives, reach out to UNSW Employability at employability@unsw.edu.au
New Bus Services
Western Sydney’s transport network is set for a boost with five new permanent bus routes connecting Liverpool, Penrith, Campbelltown and Mount Druitt directly to Western Sydney International Airport from 5 July 2026.
Starting three months before passenger flights, the routes will improve access to jobs, education and essential services for communities long underserved by public transport.
Buses are the quiet achievers of Sydney’s transport system. Frequent, reliable services are the backbone of a connected city. The new routes will run every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening, seven days a week, and be serviced by 43 electric buses, delivering cleaner, quieter journeys.
As Western Sydney grows, strong north–south and east–west links will be critical to turn major infrastructure into real, everyday benefits for the region.
Sydney Plan Needs Liverpool
The Liverpool Innovation Precinct has lodged a submission on the NSW Government’s Draft Sydney Plan. While the Plan highlights Bradfield, our submission notes that Liverpool is already the health, education and research capital of South West Sydney. We urge it to be explicitly recognised as a strategic employment, education and innovation centre.
The submission highlights Western Sydney’s structural jobs deficit: only 9% of residents can currently reach 50,000 jobs within 30 minutes by public transport, compared with 44% of residents across Sydney. The LIP believes Liverpool can help address this imbalance as part of a proposed “Twin Cities” corridor with Bradfield.
Suggested priorities for government include a Liverpool Incubator (extending the Sydney and Parramatta Startup Hubs to South West Sydney), modernised TAFE facilities, and a Liverpool Square employment centre anchored around the train station.
Read the full submission on the LIP website.
LinkedIn for Students
UNSW Founders and the Liverpool Study Hub are running a hands-on personal branding workshop for high school, university and TAFE students across South West Sydney. The session helps students build a strong professional presence and use LinkedIn with real purpose.
Participants will learn how to position themselves confidently, tap networks, and access internships, scholarships and employment opportunities. The workshop also provides a welcoming space for students from all backgrounds to clarify next steps and feel supported as they shape their future.
Free tickets are available, but places are limited.
Where: Liverpool Study Hub