Matt Levinson, culture policy lead, Committee for Sydney: 

“What’s great about the new strategy is the way it’s been designed to leverage collaboration and support from local governments, universities, philanthropists, arts and culture organisations and businesses in the area.

“The Committee’s long had a focus on increasing opportunities for more culture in the everyday lives of all Sydneysiders, wherever they live and whatever background, we know there’s a deep interest and passion for culture across our city.

“What’s also been clear for a long time is the significant inequity in access to spaces to make and experience culture – and what our research has shown us is a major missed opportunity, with so much of the city’s cultural energy bubbling up in this part of Sydney, and a profound lack of places to experience it locally.

“We’re thrilled to see the government doubled down on plans to support the huge two-thirds of Sydney that lies to the west of Marrickville, with the first Western Sydney arts strategy in a quarter of a century, backed with a healthy first year budget.

“Kudos to the many involved in bringing this strategy to life and bringing it in to land, we look forward to supporting its implementation.”