Planning Minister Rob Stokes today announced a new high-tech employment, education and housing project in Western Sydney was one step closer to reality, with the project passing a major planning milestone.

Mr Stokes said the new Sydney Science Park at Penrith has now been issued a revised Gateway by the Department of Planning and Environment, which means the proposal can go to the next stages of approval.

“This project will help generate high-end jobs and infrastructure; it will provide a new school and new retail stores the people of Western Sydney want and deserve,” Mr Stokes said.

“Once fully developed, the science park will create more than 12,000 knowledge based jobs and contain 3,400 new dwellings. Creating jobs, housing and education opportunities will help this region thrive.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the science park had a range of benefits for local residents.

“This project means more people will be working and living locally enabling them to achieve a healthier work-life balance,” Mrs Davies said.

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said it was encouraging to see projects like the Sydney Science Park being put forward.

“This is a strong sign of investment growth in Western Sydney, which is terrific to see,” Mr Ayres said.

Executive Director of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, Greg Whitby, welcomed the invitation to build a school in the Sydney Science Park.

“Today’s schools need to be relevant and integrated into the life and work of the communities they serve. The Sydney Science Park is an opportunity for us to reimagine schooling and enable students to learn in an environment of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship,” Mr Whitby said.

Mayor of Penrith Ross Fowler said the project will be an important addition to the region.

“A key feature of the plan is the inclusion of a new Town Centre, industrial research and development facilities, a school and a retail centre, all providing new employment opportunities in this area of Western Sydney,” Mayor Fowler said.

Penrith City Council will soon put the proposal on public exhibition, which will allow the community to provide feedback on the project. The department has worked closely with council to ensure the right mix of homes, jobs and education facilities, and that completion of new homes is coordinated with new infrastructure being delivered.