As a long-standing Councillor and resident of Parramatta, I have taken great pride in seeing the City I call home grow and evolve to become the rich and vibrant place it is today.
In the past 12 months alone, key milestones have been reached on a number of City-shaping projects, including Parramatta Square, the new Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Powerhouse Museum, and the redevelopment of Parramatta Quay.
These, along with critical new infrastructure, such as Parramatta Light Rail, Sydney Metro West and the Western Sydney Airport, will undoubtedly bring huge opportunities and economic benefits to our City.
As we transition through this period of incredible change, the City of Parramatta Council is committed to continuing to support our diverse and growing community, and delivering our projects responsibly and effectively - particularly as we navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis.
In our recently adopted Operational Plan and Budget for 2020/21, we have outlined the services, activities, programs and projects that Council will implement over the next 12 months.
This includes a $227.1M capital expenditure budget to deliver major strategic projects for the community, such as the Epping Aquatic Centre redevelopment (part of the Dence Park Masterplan), stage one of the Phillip Street ‘Smart Street’ transformation, the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program, and the City River Works Program to revitalise the Parramatta River.
The budget also identifies several immediate and long-term saving measures to address a shortfall in revenue caused by COVID-19, ensuring Council remains financially viable and can continue to provide vital infrastructure and services for the community.
City of Parramatta prepares for future growth
As we take the exciting next steps in cementing our position as Sydney’s Central River City, Council is constantly exploring ways in which we can prepare for our City’s future.
Plans and strategies such as Council’s CBD Planning Proposal, which was recently endorsed by the NSW Government for public exhibition, and our Local Housing and Community Infrastructure strategies, provide Council with a clear path for how we will continue to serve the community ‒ particularly as our local population is expected to double over the next 20 years.
The CBD Planning Proposal seeks to expand the City’s CBD boundaries and change land use controls to help us secure the Parramatta CBD as a thriving commercial centre that attracts world-class businesses and offers incredible lifestyle opportunities for residents. It will allow for 50,000 new jobs and 14,000 additional dwellings in the Parramatta CBD.
The CBD Planning Proposal will go on public exhibition in the coming weeks, and I look forward to hearing the community’s feedback on these City-changing plans. For more information on our future-proofing plans and strategies, visit www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au.
Participate Parramatta
In July, we launched our new community engagement website ‘Participate Parramatta’. Participate Parramatta is a new website where community members can find information and provide feedback on Council’s latest projects and initiatives.
With these strong foundations, we will build an even better future.
Cr Bob Dwyer is Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta.
