March 2025 General Meeting – Advocating for Camden – The Time is Now

Advocating for Camden – The Time is Now

Camden is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, with its population set to surge by 81%, reaching over 257,000 by 2046. As our community expands, so do the challenges we face. Now more than ever, Camden needs urgent investment in critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare to support our residents and ensure a thriving future.

‘The Time is Now’ is an advocacy publication and campaign developed by Council in preparation for the 2025 Federal Election and the 2027 NSW Government Election. It highlights the following key advocacy priorities:

• Provision of Rail Services including the full North South Metro connection between Macarthur and Bradfield, via Narellan and Oran Park;
• Enhancing connectivity with road infrastructure;
• Delivering the Western Sydney Rapid Bus Project;
• Meeting the current and future demand for schools and education; and
• A strategic approach to healthcare and healthy communities.

Investment in these priorities will help unlock employment opportunities for our community and improve access to a skilled workforce for business and industry.

Hear from Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, and General Manager, Mr. Andrew Carfield, as they discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead—and how we can work together to shape Camden’s future.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney

Ashleigh Cagney is a wife and mother of four, a community advocate and supporter of grass roots sport. She is a former Camden Rotarian and RYLA graduate; former member of the Board of Directors of the Macarthur Football Association; former Board Member of the South West Academy of Sport; and former President of St Clare’s Primary Schools Parents and Friends Association. Ashleigh holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Diploma of Business (legal services). After seven years as a Councillor on Camden Council, Ashleigh is now the Mayor of Camden and is focussed on leading Camden with a vision to make it a prime destination to live, work and visit.

General Manager, Andrew Carfield

Andrew Carfield commenced as the General Manager of Camden Council in November 2022 and brings more than 25 years of local government experience to the role. As the General Manager of Australia’s fastest growing local government area (LGA), Andrew is responsible for leading and steering the organisation and the LGA through a period of significant change and growth. A key focus for Andrew is to ensure Camden and the southwest region develop to their full potential as an integral part of Sydney’s future.

Prior to joining Camden Council, Andrew has held a number of senior executive roles at both Wollongong City and Sutherland Shire Councils. Andrew’s experience and responsibilities have included policy and strategy; urban planning and urban growth management; infrastructure planning and delivery; waste and landfill operations; environmental programs and botanic gardens; and compliance and regulatory programs.