At its meeting on Tuesday 17 June 2025, Council endorsed the public exhibition of the Economic Development Strategy.

What is this strategy about?

The strategy outlines the key economic strategic drivers for the Inner West and the actions Council will take to boost economic growth in the Inner West. The Strategy is underpinned by the principles of Community Wealth Building where as many community members as possible, benefit from a more inclusive economy. The Strategy includes a vision statement and key strategic directions.

The strategy was developed through community consultation in 2019 and feedback through Economic Summits.

You can read about the summits here.

Where we want to be?

Economic Development Strategy vision statement

By developing and delivering this strategy in partnership with our community, the Inner West will be renowned for its economic opportunity and growth, by embracing it’s point of difference, supporting local businesses to thrive and nurturing its vibrant main streets and village centres. With this approach, economic benefits are shared by all.

How we will get there?

Key strategic directions

Council’s Economic Development Strategy is a 5-year strategy developed to strengthen the local economy, support businesses and encourage economic equity within the community. The Strategy has five key strategic directions and associated goals and actions to deliver on the vision statement. The actions within this Strategy are Council’s commitment to progress each goal and strategic direction. Each action has a timeframe, either short term (2025 - 2027), medium term (2027 - 2028) and long term (2029 - 2030).

Strategic directions

Each strategic direction has one or more indicator as an overarching and quantifiable metric that tracks progress towards achieving a goal or outcome.

G1. Existing and emerging sectors contributing to positive economic outcomes are set up for success

G2. Retain and manage existing industrial and employment lands

G3. The night time economy is thriving and resilient

G4. Main streets and town centres are celebrated and enhanced with a strategic place-based approach

G5. the Inner West is connected and accessible supporting local business activity

G6. Local businesses benefit from Council assets and resources

G7. Local businesses are supported to grow and thrive

G8. Employment opportunities continue to grow as industries across the Local Government Area are diversified.

G9. Precincts and places are designed and planned to integrate with smart city solutions

G12. Businesses are educated on the benefits of a green, sustainable and circular economy

G13. Businesses are supported to implement green, sustainable and circular economy initiatives

Read the Strategy

View the strategy below or in-person at one of our Customer Service Centres Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm:

  • Petersham Service Centre, 2-14 Fisher Street, Petersham
  • Leichhardt Service Centre, 7-15 Wetherill Street, Leichhardt
  • Ashfield Service Centre, 260 Liverpool Road, Ashfield.
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Have your say

You can provide feedback by:

  • Completing the form below
  • Drop in to an in-person session:
  • Emailing to daniel.watson.hayes@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
  • Posting to c/o Daniel Watson Hayes, Inner West Council, Po Box 14, Petersham NSW 2029
  • Calling us on 02 9392 5687

Other ways to provide feedback:

  • Call a FREE Interpreter or the National Relay Service, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm and provide our phone number 02 9392 5871
    • Free Interpreter call TIS National on 131 450
    • Voice relay call 1300 555 727
    • TTY call 133 677
    • SMS relay call 0423 677 767

Last day to provide feedback is Friday 5 December 2025.

Form

To complete the submissions form please create an account to join, or login to an existing account. The Your Say Inner West account is separate from other Council accounts.

What happens next?

Following the public exhibition period a report including your feedback will be brought back to Council for consideration. All those who provided feedback will be advised when the report will be considered by Council.