PRE-OLYMPIC JOB BOOM COMPLETELY MISSES FAIRFIELD
For 1999, the affluent Northern Beaches had Sydney’s lowest unemployment rate of just 2.4% compared Fairfield’s disappointing 10.5% - the highest in Sydney.
"It seems like Fairfield has missed out on the job opportunities created by the strong economy and the 2000 Olympics" said Cr Thang Ngo.
Fairfield’s rate is double Sydney’s average of 5.1% for 1999.
"All levels of government need to work together to make sure Fairfield is not left with the wooden spoon, yet again" said Cr Ngo.
Fairfield has the ingredients to attract many potential business into the local area according to Cr Ngo.
"For example, 60% of first floor offices in Cabramatta are vacant, so rent is relatively cheap and we have a plentiful supply of local labour" he said.
Fairfield is the perfect location for a telephone call centre because we have a rare asset - residents who can speak over 100 different languages and dialects"
While this issue has been discussed many times between Council and the State government, there is still no progress according to Cr Ngo.
"Our local members need to act urgently to stop the gap between the haves and have-nots" he concluded.
ENDS