Western Sydney Arts and Cultural Lobby spokesperson David Capra said while the focus on Parramatta in the document was extremely welcomed, other growth centres in Sydney had inexplicably been left out of the strategy.
"The NSW Government's recognition of the superb work being done by Parramatta-based arts and cultural organisations … is a great move – but why have they stopped there? I'm not sure why other key growth centres in … Sydney have been left out of this document," Capra said.
"The work that is produced, curated and realised by Western Sydney cultural organisations and Artists on the smell of an oily rag is internationally recognised.
"The Government's commitment to new infrastructure is very much needed, but it is needed across Western Sydney, as well as more support for existing cultural institutions in the area.
"Planning for growth of strategic centres must be linked to an explicit commitment to growing cultural capital and investment to avoid being perceived as a rhetorical afterthought.
"It is expected that 900,000 people will move to Western Sydney in the next 20 years; then there is planning for expansion of hospitals, new schools and roads but not cultural infrastructure, except for Parramatta.
"It must be remembered that Western Sydney is a big place, it takes an hour to travel from Penrith or Campbelltown to Parramatta."