NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has promised $260 million for an advanced manufacturing research facility at Western Sydney's airport precinct.
Mr Perrottet said Western Sydney is already the home of advanced manufacturing in Australia.
The Bradfield aerotropolis precinct where the new facility will be built may be the most significant economic project in the state since the middle of last century, he said.
"This new facility, as part of the aerotropolis, will turbocharge the region's advanced manufacturing capabilities and establish Bradfield as the largest and most advanced industrial ecosystem in the nation."
The premier made the commitment while giving his first State of the Region keynote speech at the Western Sydney Business Connection conference on Wednesday.
The speech is the signature event of the year for the chamber of commerce-style organisation, and "provides attendees significant opportunity to connect and engage with influential business leaders and decision makers".
Western Sydney would be stagnant and frustrated if not for the infrastructure investments of the coalition government elected in 2011, Mr Perrottet told the sold out crowd.
The research facility is the premier's first official commitment ahead of the state budget, which is set to be handed down by Treasurer Matt Kean on June 21.
It will be former treasurer Mr Perrottet's first budget as premier.
The government's strong financial management will continue and enable record investment across the board, Mr Perrottet said on Tuesday, shortly before the expenditure review committee met for a budget discussion.
But as always there are challenges.
Mr Perrottet will have to balance demands from the public sector workforce for pay rises, although he's suggested multiple times the budget will not fully appease the various unions representing teachers, nurses and public transport staff.
For the state to be the best it can be, NSW needs to provide quality health care, education, public transport, roads, as well as cultural investments in art and sport, the premier said.
"We weigh them all up with the competing interests in the budget and we'll deliver," he said on Tuesday.
