The Central Coast now has two Smart Work Hubs – which reduce the need to commute to Sydney – but the Illawarra can’t even get one.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It might sound like a joke, but the region’s opposition spokesman Ryan Park isn’t laughing.
The Illawarra missed out on one of five Smart Work Hubs established mid-last year and the opening of the most recent facility at Gosford was a slap in the face to travel-dependent workers south of Sydney, Mr Park said.
Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts launched the Gosford hub, the second Central Coast facility of its kind, last month.
A hub at Wyong – about a 25-minute train trip from Gosford – is already operational, while facilities in the western Sydney suburbs of Rouse Hill, Oran Park and Penrith have also opened.
The five facilities are part of a $1.5 million pilot program aimed at giving commuters an alternative place to work closer to home.
‘‘It is just not acceptable the people of the Illawarra are still waiting to be including in this opportunity, considering we now have an announcement of a Smart Hub in both Wyong and Gosford,’’ Mr Park said.
‘‘Our population is very similar to that of the Central Coast and it is somewhat disappointing that they have been awarded with a second Smart Working Hub whilst we are waiting for our first.’’
Launching the Gosford hub, Mr Roberts said locating the facilities in ‘‘areas with large commuter populations’’ allowed the government to ‘‘take advantage of technology to support smart working practices’’.
Mr Park said a ‘‘significant proportion’’ of Illawarra residents were forced to travel daily for work and the introduction of a Smart Work Hub in the region would reduce the need to commute.
‘‘The current government needs to recognise the Illawarra, invest in our region and give our community the same respect as those living in western Sydney and the Central Coast,’’ he said.
On May 28, the Mercury reported Mr Park’s plea for money to be included in this year’s budget to establish an Illawarra hub.
An online reader poll, attached to that story, indicated 70 per cent of respondents were in favour of using such a facility.
A spokesman for Mr Roberts on Tuesday reiterated comments made in May – western Sydney and the Central Coast were chosen because they had the two largest commuter populations in the state.
The spokesman said an Illawarra application had been received and the Department of Industry was ‘‘continuing to liaise with key stakeholders in the area’’.
