With Camden’s population set to surge past 256,000, South West Sydney leaders are calling for urgent rail investment to prevent transport infrastructure falling further behind the region’s extraordinary growth.

Camden Council joined NSW Ministers, MPs, business and community leaders at NSW Parliament House last week to push the case for greater investment in rail across South West Sydney.

At the centre of Camden’s call is the proposed Macarthur Metro, connecting Bradfield through Oran Park and Narellan to Macarthur and Campbelltown.

Mayor of Camden Vince Ferreri said the need was becoming increasingly urgent as Camden’s population grows from more than 147,000 today to an expected 256,000-plus by 2046.

“Camden is growing and we’re not slowing down,” Ferreri said.

“But growth without infrastructure brings enormous challenges. Our roads are under pressure, our public transport options have not kept pace with our population, and too many residents are travelling outside the region every day for work, education and other opportunities.”

The parliamentary reception also saw the launch of new research developed by the South West Sydney Alliance with Astrolabe and CBRE, highlighting the infrastructure needed to support new homes, employment and liveability.

Camden, Campbelltown and Liverpool are already home to almost 700,000 people, with the region projected to reach one million residents by 2046. Its economy generated approximately $43.5 billion in 2025.

Ferreri said a Macarthur Metro would connect rapidly growing communities with Western Sydney International Airport, Bradfield and emerging employment opportunities.

“We can’t keep building homes without building the infrastructure that makes those communities work,” he said.

“We need a commitment to deliver the Macarthur Metro from Bradfield, through Oran Park and Narellan, to Macarthur and Campbelltown.”

The research calls for a Commonwealth-NSW partnership to turn existing business cases into a funded, staged rail delivery program.

Ferreri said the choice facing governments was clear as South West Sydney continued to expand.

“The population, homes and jobs are coming. The decision facing the South West is whether the infrastructure comes with them,” he said.