Partnership to promote Greater Sydney as Australia’s global, creative city

The establishment of an independent, not-for-profit organisation to enhance and promote Sydney’s interests as Australia’s global city has received endorsement from all levels of Australian Government, along with key business and community stakeholders. The Greater Sydney Partnership Limited will be launched today by founding chairman Peter Holmes à Court at CarriageWorks, in Sydney’s Eveleigh / Redfern. Mr Holmes à Court said the Partnership will manage the ‘Brand Sydney’ initiative and support the development of other key economic and community sectors including: education, finance and creative industries and areas of social inclusion.

Says Holmes a Court: “Today is the start of an important and timely conversation about Sydney. We have been established as an independent, apolitical body with a board representing all levels of Government and the peak business bodies of this City. The Greater Sydney Partnership encompasses not only the obvious iconic parts of central Sydney, but also represents the interests of areas such as Parramatta as our second CBD, right through to the West, the East, the North and the South of Sydney encompassing many different local government areas.

“This initiative is built on the successful principles employed by some of the world’s most recognised cities such as New York, London, Amsterdam and Edinburgh.

“We have received generous seed funding from the NSW State Government and support from the City of Sydney. The Federal Government has also recognised the importance of the Partnership in growing Sydney’s international standing as the key gateway into Australia.

“I look forward to a engaging with the broad Sydney community, and getting their input into how the Partnership can enhance this great city,” says Holmes à Court.

Premier Kristina Keneally said the Greater Sydney Partnership is in a unique position to champion and promote Sydney across all sectors – industry, business, education and creativity and to the world: “We all share one objective – to promote this great city as Australia’s global destination. Sydney’s credentials as a leading global city are well acknowledged – we have a great brand. Now with the help of Greater Sydney Partnership we can get that message out to the people of Sydney, the people of NSW and Australia, and to the rest of the world.”

Adds Lord Mayor, Clover Moore: “The plan to promote Sydney aligns with our Sustainable Sydney 2030 work in partnership with the business community and other levels of government to support investment in Sydney. Our great City is a hub for business, education, culture, tourism and events, and we must promote our green credentials to the rest of the world.

“Sydney is Australia’s only global city and by promoting it we not only invite tourists, but support local jobs, open the door to new opportunities and encourage investment in our economy,” says Ms Moore.

The Hon. MP Tanya Plibersek said: “I welcome the establishment of the Greater Sydney Partnership as we work together to maintain Sydney’s position as the nation’s premier city. I look forward to working with the Board as we embrace the challenges of the future.”

Greater Sydney Partnership board director, Chris Brown said: “The business community recognised that it was time we took more direct responsibility for Sydney’s trade reputation and its social fabric. We are proud of the lead we’ve taken and grateful for the support we’ve received from public sector. GSP is the partnership this city deserves and will launch the revival of Australia’s global positioning.”

Around 300 influential and passionate Sydneysiders from commercial and community sectors will attend the launch including the Premier and members of the opposition, the Lord Mayor and various Mayors of the greater Sydney area, senior representatives from corporate, education, the arts and the not-for-profit community.