Sydney Olympic Park Authority Annual Report Tabled in Parliament

27 November 2008

The Sydney Olympic Park Authority 2007-08 annual report was today tabled in Parliament.

‘The report shows that the creation of a new town centre at Sydney Olympic Park is well underway,’ said a spokesperson for Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

‘Sydney Olympic Park has grown into a vibrant, mixed-use urban centre with more than 60 businesses and 6,000 workers.

‘The reporting period saw the largest influx of workers into the precinct since the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games with the arrival of the first Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s 3,500 employees moving into their new offices in the Sydney Olympic Park town centre.

‘More than $260 million of new investment was approved in the reporting period, reflecting the confidence of the business community in Sydney Olympic Park and Western Sydney.’

The spokesperson said that this strong growth will continue under the draft Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2030, which was released during the reporting period.

‘The draft master plan sets out a comprehensive and detailed vision for the continued sustainable development of Sydney Olympic Park over the next 22 years into a thriving township of 28,500 workers, 14,000 residents and 5,000 students,’ the spokesperson said.

‘The draft master plan is consistent with the NSW Government’s commitment under the State Plan to improve the urban environment; move more jobs closer to home; strengthen housing affordability; and encourage more people to use parks, sports and recreational facilities.’

Sustainability is central to Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s legislative and corporate charter, and the 2007-08 annual report shows that the Authority continued to work to operate and develop the precinct according to the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

‘Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s commitment to ecologically sustainable development is demonstrated by the strong environmental safeguards built into any proposed development under the draft master plan including requirements to connect to the Park’s recycled water system, use environmentally sustainable materials and meet strict design guidelines,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Other initiatives in ecological sustainability undertaken during the reporting period include adopting revised environmental guidelines and performance outcomes, installing an additional recycled water distribution network and purchasing  ‘green power’ for 25 per cent of all electricity use – saving 1,971 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.’

Visitation to Sydney Olympic Park continued to rise during the reporting period, reaching 8.5 million people, and is expected to reach 10 million a year by 2010.

‘Sydney Olympic Park maintained its position as Australia’s premier events precinct and last year hosted more than 4,500 sports, entertainment, community, arts and business events,’ the spokesperson said.

2007-08 at a glance

• More than $260 million of new investment approved in reporting period including the 2-star Formule1 hotel, the 5-star Pullman hotel – Sydney’s first 5-star hotel since the Sydney 2000 Games and greater Sydney’s first 5-star hotel ever – two commercial buildings, a 208-unit residential complex and a new pub and bistro for the town centre.
• The Draft Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2030 released, providing a comprehensive blueprint for the Park’s development over the next 22 years.
• Continued commitment to ecologically sustainable development.
• 8.5 million people visited Sydney Olympic Park last year
• More than 4,500 sports, entertainment, community, arts and business events held at Sydney Olympic park last year
• Financial performance of Sydney Olympic Park Authority continued to strengthen, with net Government contribution down 71 per cent since 2003.

Media contact

Phillip Adams
Executive Manager Corporate Communications
0425 256 831 or email: phillip.adams@sopa.nsw.gov.au