Economic Development

Visit www.ashfieldbusiness.com.au for the latest news from the Ashfield Business Chamber - AshBiz, including upcoming events and an online business directory.

Ashfield Council discharges its responsibilities to foster and facilitate sustainable economic development through its Integrated Strategic Planning.   An integral part of that planning involved the appointment in December 2007 of an Economic Development Officer (EDO) to drive Council economic development initiatives on the ground.

At a very practical level the EDO is striving to:

  • Assist existing businesses to grow by providing advice and information
  • Support business groups and associations such as the new Ashfield Business Chamber
  • Attract suitable new business and investment to the Ashfield LGA
  • Work with other Council sections and government agencies to reduce the carbon footprint of business in the Ashfield LGA
  • Promote local businesses and buy local campaigns through an Ashfield business specific web site which incorporates a free business directory (Site may be found at http://www.ashfieldbusiness.com.au/)
  • Increase business networking opportunities through regular business breakfasts and special events
  • Increase the skill level of businesses through regular Business Skills Development Workshops
  • Increase access to additional external markets through joint projects with neighbouring councils to plan major regional events such as Small Business Expos
  • Market and promote Ashfield as a great place to live, play and do business

So, for anything from considering the start up of a new business to pre-lodgment discussions concerning development applications, the EDO is there as a free resource to assist you where possible. The EDO may be contacted directly by telephone on 9716 1920 or by email on duncang@ashfield.nsw.gov.au

The following statement is the introduction to Ashfield’s business case and an invitation to investigate in greater depth on Council’s business specific web site:

Why Do Business in Ashfield?

There is a compelling case for living and working in Ashfield:

Proximity to Sydney and Parramatta

Better known as the Inner West, the Ashfield local government area is part of the Greater Metropolitan Area of Sydney. Sydney, the largest city in Australia, consolidated its position and reputation as one of the world's foremost tourist attractions and business savvy locations by displaying a 'can do' attitude which saw the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games repeatedly referred to as the greatest games of all time.

Ashfield is only minutes from the Sydney Central Business District, Sydney International Airport and the world class port facilities of Botany Bay and Sydney Harbour. Ashfield has direct access to Sydney Harbour at Haberfield. This proximity to Sydney places the Sydney Opera House, National Art Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art, Darling Harbour and many other major attractions right on Ashfield's doorstep.

Sporting and recreational infrastructure abounds with the venues used during the 2000 Olympic Games being right next door in Homebush.

It is only twenty five (25) minutes in the opposite direction to Parramatta, a city in its own right, which is another large business and commercial centre.

Dynamic Cultural Diversity

Ashfield has always welcomed new Australians with open arms, starting with the initial influx of Italians and Greeks and more recently with the arrival of the Chinese, Indian and other Asian peoples.

Ashfield's economy is driven by the depth and diversity of its cultural mix. The suburb of Haberfield, famous for its rich Italian heritage, reflects this in its many cafes, restaurants, delicatessens, bakeries and patisseries just oozing that traditional Italian flair and flavour. The suburb of Ashfield brings the taste of Asia to the area with numerous eateries and grocery stores specialising in Chinese (in particular Shanghainese), Indian, Thai, Korean and Philippines cuisine and products.

Old World Charm

Ashfield is well known for heritage listed architecture which is scattered throughout the municipality. The Village of Summer Hill with its Town Square and Village Green exemplifies the old world charm of Ashfield as do parts of Croydon and Croydon Park.

Ideal for Professionals

For professionals seeking relief from the high costs of operating within the Sydney CBD, Ashfield offers a very attractive alternative. There is an abundance of reasonably priced office space and accommodation all of which is handy to public transport and major thoroughfares and again only minutes from Sydney and all that it has to offer.

An Entrepreneur's Goldmine

Opportunities abound for the entrepreneurial café or restaurant owner interested in catering for the eclectic tastes of Ashfield.

Well Priced

Ashfield is ideally placed for those back end operations of major corporations looking to minimise overheads without losing connectivity.

Access to Opportunity

Small and Home Based Businesses with a desire to draw upon the massive Sydney market should look no further than Ashfield. The suburbs of Ashfield, Haberfield, Summer Hill and Croydon/Croydon Park offer a huge range of home and office accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Easy access is provided by private and public transport and there is a wide range of primary and secondary schools to choose from.

Comprehensive information is available on this site under About Ashfield, FAQs, click here for  Ashfield Council Community Profile or Ashfield Council Community Atlas

For clarification and/or more specific detail please contact: 

The Economic Development Officer
Ashfield Council
PO Box 1145
ASHFIELD NSW 2131

Telephone: 02 9716 1920
Facsimile: 02 9716 1911
Email: mailto:duncanG@ashfieldbusiness.com.au