Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038

Butbutt Yura Barra Ngurra The heart of the people of eel country 1 Burramatta Day, 2012

Butbutt Yura Barra Ngurra means ‘the heart of the people of eel country’ in the language. This title acknowledges ’s ongoing connection to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waters of Parramatta, and recognises that our entire community is the living, beating heart of the .

2 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Recognition of the Darug peoples

NUNANGLANUNGDYU BARAMADA GULBANGA MAWA NAA BARAMADAGAL DARUG NGURRAWA BADURA BARAMADA DARUG YURA

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waters of Parramatta, the Darug peoples.

City of Parramatta recognises Parramatta is a derivation of the City of Parramatta is committed the Darug peoples as First word Burramatta or “place where to playing an active role in Australians, peoples of the the eels lie down” (breeding making this future a reality. oldest continuous living culture location for eels within the We have developed a in the world. ). Reconciliation Action Plan to assist in supporting the rights For more than 60,000 years, City of Parramatta recognises of to Parramatta has been home the significance of this area for self-determination, equal to the Darug peoples, the all Indigenous Australians as a employment opportunities traditional custodians of the land site of early contact between and economic and social we call the City of Parramatta Indigenous Australians and development. today. The Darug peoples European Colonists, and have cared for and nurtured Parramatta remains an important City of Parramatta is proud the habitat, land and waters meeting place for Indigenous to acknowledge the ongoing for thousands of generations, Australians. stewardship of Country by and maintain an ongoing Indigenous Australians and connection to Parramatta and Indigenous Australians continue is committed to the healing its surrounding areas. A modern to play a vital role in the process of Reconciliation and to society can learn from the ecological, economic, social ensuring Parramatta remains a resilience and community spirit and cultural life of Parramatta, place of choice to live, work and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait while maintaining a distinct play for Indigenous Australians. Islander peoples (Indigenous culture built on the principles of Australians) to best ensure a Caring for Country, the primacy City of Parramatta’s sustainable City for all. of family, and the dignity and Reconciliation Action Plan is governance of Elders. available on Council’s website: Parramatta has always been cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au an important meeting place At City of Parramatta we for Indigenous Australians, imagine a future where the particularly the Parramatta River, cultures, histories and rights of which has provided life and all Indigenous Australians are vitality since the beginning of understood, recognised and time (The Dreaming). The name respected by all Australians.

3 I am proud to present this Plan is a recognition that the Community Strategic Plan. opportunities of growth must be shared equitably. This is an exciting time for the City of Parramatta. As more Our Community Strategic Plan is people choose to live in, work supported by Council’s Delivery in and visit our great City, Program 2018-2021, Operational Parramatta is emerging as a Plan 2018/19 and Resourcing centre of economic activity, Strategy 2018-2028. These detail culture and creativity. Our how Council will contribute to streets and restaurants buzz achieving the goals set out in this with life, businesses prosper Plan, through aligning Council’s and opportunity abounds. services, resources and strategic The challenge for Parramatta relationships. It is through strong is to carefully manage this partnerships and networks transformation in order to bring both within and beyond our about the greatest benefit for all community that together, we members of our community. can shape a positive future for Parramatta. This Community Strategic ‘As more people choose to live Plan is the result of two I look forward to celebrating in, work in and visit our great years of research, reflection our achievements as we move City, Parramatta is emerging as and conversation with our towards making the City of a centre of economic activity, community. While Council has Parramatta a more sustainable, culture and creativity.’ played a central role in the liveable and productive City for development of this Plan, it is not present and future generations. a Council Plan - it is a community Plan for our City that has been Councillor Andrew Wilson prepared to reflect the needs Lord Mayor, City of Parramatta and aspirations of our diverse community. At the heart of this

Message from The Lord Mayor

4 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Contents

Recognition of the Darug peoples 3 Message from the Lord Mayor 4 About Parramatta 6 Planning for Parramatta’s future 8 Our City in numbers 10 Our approach to engagement 12 Parramatta’s role within 14 What’s ahead for Parramatta 17 Transformational projects 18 Major precincts 20 Accommodating change 22 Our Vision 26 Achieving our vision 29 Council’s role 36 What Council is already doing 38 Key projects 40 Tracking our progress 40

5 About Parramatta

Parramatta is a place Situated on the Parramatta River, Governor Phillip had grand of shared ancient and Parramatta has been home to ambitions for Parramatta. Laid the Darug peoples for more than out with Georgian town planning living histories. 60,000 years as a fertile source principles, it became ’s of food, and a place to gather. first grid city, and the settlement Parramatta is also Australia’s continued to grow. second-oldest city and its oldest inland European settlement. Not With the arrival of the first train long after the arrived line connecting Parramatta in Sydney in 1788, Governor to Sydney in 1850, the city’s realised the colony focus shifted from the river to was dangerously vulnerable to the station, and a new wave starvation. In search of fertile of industry and economic farming land, an expedition development began. “Where new and modern found the ideal place to produce stands side-by-side with food for the Sydney settlement: Today, Parramatta is a thriving historic and cultural” the Parramatta River foreshore. centre, home to a rich diversity

6 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Old Government House, 2017

of cultures. While the threads Cottage, Hambledon Cottage of community. Respect for of our history have woven and . Aboriginal and Torres Strait together to create a new, global Islander peoples, histories city, we have not left our past Greater Sydney (including the and cultures is key to City of behind. Our community and Blue Mountains and Central Parramatta’s core values and visitors readily experience Coast) is currently home to vision for Reconciliation, and we the intermingling of past and more than 5 million people and can learn from the resilience present when they visit our is growing fast. Parramatta is the demonstrated by the Darug incredible heritage sites. These geographic and demographic people who have lived here for include the UNESCO World centre of Sydney, and is tens of thousands of years. Heritage listed Parramatta accessible to 2.3 million people and Old Government House, by car or public transport within the oldest remaining public 45 minutes. building in Australia, and the nationally significant Harris As our City grows, we face new Park heritage precinct, which challenges that will require includes Experiment Farm resilience and a strong sense

7 Planning for Parramatta’s future

We’re developing this Community Strategic Plan during an exciting but challenging time for Parramatta.

The City of Parramatta is parklands, and rising house justice principles of equity, changing. Unprecedented prices as population growth access, participation and rights. public and private investment, and new development expose The purpose of the Plan is to population growth and new infrastructure gaps, and outline our community’s shared infrastructure are transforming place pressure on our shared vision and aspirations for the Parramatta into Sydney’s resources. future, and to set out strategies Central City. to achieve this vision. Many of the issues and concerns This intensity of growth and facing the City are beyond the While this Community Strategic investment in the City of direct control and influence Plan looks at a 20-year horizon, Parramatta will create many of Council and will require more detailed planning is opportunities for a new and concerted and coordinated needed in the short term. more diverse mix of high quality actions by State and Federal Council’s Delivery Program housing, jobs and infrastructure. Government. This Community 2018-2021, Operational Plan However, this growth will not be Strategic Plan is our opportunity 2018/19 and Resourcing consistent across our City. Some to put strategies in place to Strategy 2018-2028 will translate areas will significantly increase in manage the elements of growth the overarching vision of the population, while other areas will that the City can influence, Community Strategic Plan into experience minimal growth. leading to an improved quality specific actions, while identifying of life for all. the resources required to While the NSW Government achieve this vision. is investing in infrastructure The Community Strategic Plan for the long term, in the short is the highest level of Council Now is the time to take significant term the City of Parramatta plan. Prepared on behalf of the strides to shape a future that all is experiencing current and community, it sits above and people can share in. ongoing growing pains. We helps inform all other Council are seeing more congestion, plans and policies. It has been This Community Strategic Plan crowding in urban spaces and developed based on the social will be our roadmap.

WHY A 20-YEAR PLAN? 20 years from now, in 2038, it will be a significant year for Parramatta: • It will mark the 250th anniversary of Parramatta’s Foundation Day • It will mark 100 years since Parramatta was declared a city • 2038 also represents a 20-year planning period – a sensible timeframe for long-term goals to be fully realised

8 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Identifies community needs and priorities, and informs the development of COMMUNITY STATE AND Council’s plans. STRATEGIC PLAN REGIONAL 20 YEARS PLANS Highest level plan that Council prepares. The purpose of this plan is to identify the community’s main priorities and aspirations for the future and to plan strategies for achieving these goals.

SOCIALLY ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL RECONCILIATION DISABILITY SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABILITY ACTION INCLUSION PARRAMATTA PLAN PLAN STRATEGY PLAN ACTION PLAN FRAMEWORK

DELIVERY (Other Council Plans) PROGRAM 3 YEARS Sets out the principal activities that Council will deliver to the RESOURCING community during the ONGOING Council term. STRATEGY MONITORING 10 YEARS AND REVIEW Contains the Long Term Financial OPERATIONAL Plan, Asset Management PLAN Strategy, Workforce Strategy and Technology 1 YEAR Strategy. Sets out the details of the Caption to Delivery Program - go here the individual projects, activities and budget for the financial year.

ANNUAL REPORT

9 Our City in numbers

OUR PEOPLE

2 Population • 235,000 in 2016 (2,800 people per km ) • 390,000 forecast for 2036 (4,650 people per km2) • Median age = 34 years (NSW = 38 years) • 9 in 10 residents are proud to be part of the Parramatta area.

Dwellings • 85,600 dwellings in 2016 • 157,000 dwellings forecast for 2036. • 55% of residents live in medium or high density dwellings

Diversity • 50% of residents were born overseas • 52% speak a language other than English at home • 11% Mandarin • 7% Cantonese • 5% Korean • 0.7% of residents identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Education & • 37% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher employment • 93% employment rate • 27% of residents also work within the LGA • Median household income = $1755 per week (NSW = $1481) in 2016.

Vulnerable • 19% of households are ‘low income’, earning less than $750 per week communities • 13% of households are in housing stress • 4% of people require assistance with daily living activities • 10% of residents do not speak English well or at all.

10 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 OUR PLACE

2 Location • The City of Parramatta covers 84 km at the centre of metropolitan Sydney, 24km west of Sydney CBD

Connection • Home to the Darug peoples for more than 60,000 years • Australia’s oldest inland European settlement

Heritage • Parramatta Park is a World Heritage Listed site • More than 750 significant archaeological sites • More than 50 State significant heritage sites

Environment • 65 km of natural waterways • 859 ha of , reserves and sportsgrounds • 461 ha of bushland • 33% tree canopy cover • 600 unique species of flora and230 unique species of fauna

Climate • More than 16 days per year over 35°C

Economy • 2.3 million people live within a 45-minute commute to the Parramatta CBD • Gross Regional Product = $25 million in 2016 • 186,000 people work in the City of Parramatta • 11,500 jobs created in the last 5 years (to June 2017) • More than 23,000 businesses call Parramatta home • Zero vacancy rate in Parramatta’s A-grade premium commercial office buildings

11 Our approach to engagement

Engagement is about involving our community in the decision-making process.

For Council, it provides the • 2,800 people who have opportunity to understand provided direct feedback varied points of view and gather during the development of this comprehensive information Community Strategic Plan. to make better decisions and • Community views shared deliver better services. on many other plans and strategies, covering a range of Here at City of Parramatta, issues, exhibited throughout we strive for best-practice 2016 and 2017. engagement both online and in-person. We believe it’s What you’ve told us important that the community • You want to get where Since the City of Parramatta was can see and have a direct impact you need to go easily and proclaimed in May 2016, we’ve on the decisions of its Council efficiently, with a strong public been talking extensively with you, and our City. transport network supported our community, to understand by walking and cycling paths. your priorities, needs and To develop this Plan, Council has aspirations. drawn on the views of more than • You want the City’s 15,000 people over the past 2 It’s clear that you are passionate neighbourhoods to be better years, including: about Parramatta, and want connected to the CBD, and to build on the strengths of to each other, with ongoing • 9,000 residents, workers and our community to create road improvements to address visitors who provided feedback a liveable, productive and congestion spots, as well as by phone, at pop-up kiosks, sustainable future. parking at key locations. workshops or as part of focus groups, to develop Council’s • You want future growth to be • You want to be able to Vision and Priorities in 2016. managed, with the economy work close to home, and not and other infrastructure • 3,000 residents, workers and spend lots of time commuting improved to keep up visitors who provided feedback across Sydney. You want to with demand. You want on our draft Operational see new, and larger companies Parramatta’s rich heritage to Plan in 2017 via surveys, basing their operations in be the cornerstone of future pop-up kiosks and written Parramatta, and support development. submissions. for small business.

12 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Parramatta Artists Studios

• You want to have a more • You love Parramatta’s green community. You care about diverse range of affordable and open spaces, and the the future of our City, and you housing options, so that Parramatta River – spaces want community needs and families of all income levels you want to continue to enjoy. aspirations to be at the heart of are catered for. You also want to see action Council’s decision-making. on our changing climate, • You want vibrant and safe and for Parramatta to be an neighbourhoods and precincts eco-efficient City, where our that showcase our City’s buildings use less energy and emerging food and cultural water, and we recycle more scene – great destinations that and waste less. are close to home. • You want Council to continue • You want to build on to find the balance between “A place where people can Parramatta’s unique cultural maintaining existing assets and live and enjoy spaces safely, identity, celebrating our rich building new ones, to optimise and where heritage areas history, sense of community use for a growing population. are protected” and diversity. You believe that diversity – of cultures, ages, • You want a forward-thinking, and income levels – is our innovative and transparent City’s greatest strength, and Council that listens to fundamental to our identity. and collaborates with the

Section Title 13 Parramatta’s role within Sydney

As the largest in , Parramatta is building on its strengths as a focus of economic activity, essential services, natural assets, culture and creativity, to lead one of Australia’s fastest growing .

Western Sydney is currently housing for low income experiencing a jobs deficit crisis, households and increasing and there is a growing mismatch housing supply alone will not between where people live and meet the needs of the large work. Over the past 10 years the numbers of people in housing Western Sydney added stress in the City of Parramatta 26,000 residents per year, but and across Greater Sydney. only created 9,000 jobs per year, and every weekday 225,000 These trends are creating a Western Sydney residents metropolitan Sydney that is commute to workplaces divided by economic opportunity, Penrith outside of the region due to health and social outcomes. the undersupply of jobs. Based As Sydney’s Central City, on existing trends, most new Parramatta has an important role housing will be built in Western to play in shifting investment, Sydney, while jobs growth in jobs growth and prosperity key industries, particularly the westwards. Positioned at the O knowledge and innovation heart of Sydney’s Central City, sectors, will happen in the the success of Parramatta will northern and eastern . benefit not just those living Without a major shift in both land within the City of Parramatta and use and transport planning, the the Central City District – it will jobs deficit in Western Sydney benefit all Sydneysiders. Western O will continue. Sydney Airport High demand for residential O housing in Western Sydney is resulting in house prices that are unaffordable for many households, including young people. There is little affordable

Western City

14 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Epping

Blacktown

City of Parramatta Chatswood

Westmead O

Parramatta North Sydney CBD

Sydney Olympic SYDNEY Park O CBD O

Liverpool Sydney Airport

Central City Eastern City

15 Artist’s Impression Parramatta Square

‘I love the potential of Parramatta. I love that it’s an exciting new story’

16 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 What’s ahead for Parramatta Parramatta is growing into Sydney’s Central City – a strategic centre of services and infrastructure which will drive employment and growth for the whole Western Sydney region.

Over the next 20 years, the City land use and transport patterns to and other parts of Greater Sydney. of Parramatta will grow from boost Greater Sydney’s liveability, The strategy outlines plans to 235,000 to almost 400,000 productivity and sustainability improve 30-minute access to people - the equivalent of three by spreading the benefits of Greater Parramatta by focusing busloads of new residents per growth. The developing Central on new transport connections, week. New public and private City, with Parramatta at its heart, particularly from the north and investment in infrastructure is is anticipated to experience south, as well as unlocking planned to support this growth, the most significant urban capacity on existing road and rail including roads, light rail, transformation over the next corridors, and supporting renewal schools, hospitals, , 10 to 15 years. and walkability by drawing traffic offices, shops, accommodation, away from centres. Doing so and new public spaces. The Central City District Plan will increase both Parramatta’s (Mar 2018) guides the and Greater Sydney’s ability to This pace and intensity of implementation of the Greater connect people with jobs and growth is unprecedented in the Sydney Region Plan at a district other opportunities. City of Parramatta. Decisions level, and assists councils to made now will have significant plan for and support growth The NSW Government’s Interim consequences in 20 years. and change. Strategic planning Land Use and Infrastructure The unique potential of City of for this district focuses on high Implementation Plan for Greater Parramatta has been recognised quality urban renewal and new Parramatta (July 2017) forecasts in numerous NSW Government neighbourhoods, matched with an additional 72,000 dwellings plans, and Parramatta’s major quality public places, green and more than 113,000 jobs over centres have been earmarked spaces and infrastructure to the next 20 years for the area for population growth and attract skilled workers and between Westmead to North investment. businesses. Parramatta CBD Parramatta, through Parramatta will be the driver of the Central CBD and Harris Park, Rosehill, NSW Government Plans River City, giving residents in the Camellia, Rydalmere, Dundas, To meet the needs of a growing Central City district quicker and Telopea to Carlingford, and and changing population, the easier access to a wider range of Olympic Park and Strathfield Greater Sydney Commission’s jobs, housing types and activities. (also known as GPOP – Greater Greater Sydney Region Plan (Mar Parramatta to Olympic Peninsula). 2018) is built on a vision of three The Future Transport Strategy The plan identifies additional cities where the people of Greater 2056 (Mar 2018) recognises infrastructure needed, such as Sydney live within 30 minutes of the need to build efficiently on roads, schools and community their jobs, education and health Parramatta’s existing transport facilities to support growth and facilities, and essential services. networks to connect Parramatta ensure a liveable, well-connected The vision brings new thinking to CBD to its surrounding suburbs community.

17 Transformational projects

Over the next 20 years, several major projects stand out as once-in-a- generation opportunities for our City. Although significant development is taking place in many growth hotspots across our City, the projects outlined below have the potential to be transformative for residents, businesses and visitors in Parramatta.

Parramatta CBD Sydney Stadium redevelopment landmark destination in the heart and will of the Parramatta CBD. Spread Our CBD is changing as Council’s completely transform the over three hectares of prime real vision to create a vibrant look and feel of the City. The estate, it will showcase design business and cultural hub for centrepiece of Parramatta’s excellence from internationally Western Sydney comes to life. river foreshore will be a new acclaimed architects, as well It is now buzzing with activity cultural precinct, including the as provide a major injection due to increased commercial new, state-of-the-art Museum of public and private sector and residential development, of Applied Arts and Sciences, jobs into the Parramatta CBD. including new shops, restaurants, and the redevelopment of the It includes the of and a year-round program of Riverside Theatres. at least five major commercial, events offering entertainment for educational and civic buildings locals and visitors. Parramatta Square that will border a public domain thoroughfare in the core of In the medium term, Parramatta The $2.4 billion Parramatta Parramatta’s CBD. Square, the Civic Link project, Square, slated for completion Parramatta Quay, Western in 2022, is set to become a

“What we’re seeing here in Parramatta is the future, and we’re living and being part of it, and more importantly, we’re creating it.”

18 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Parramatta Light Rail Westmead across Westmead. More than $3 billion has been committed Parramatta Light Rail is a major Innovation Precinct by government, universities infrastructure project to connect Westmead is already Australia’s and the private sector to deliver commuters across Greater largest health services an integrated and innovative Parramatta with their homes, precinct, offering world-class health, commercial, education jobs, hospitals, universities, integrated tertiary clinical care, andresearch precinct. entertainment hubs, sport an innovative education and stadiums and leisure areas. research network, hundreds A new civic heart on the Transport for NSW is leading of private health businesses Parramatta Light Rail route this project, and Council is a key and the globally connected will be created with an enhanced partner in the process of planning Westmead Institute for Medical public domain and a greater and delivering this infrastructure. Research and Children’s Medical number of dwellings. The first stage of the project Research Institute. will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD Council is working closely and Camellia, and is expected to with NSW Health to upgrade open in 2023. The preferred route and expand the precinct’s for Stage 2 has been announced, health services, education which will connect to Stage 1 and and medical research facilities. run north of the Parramatta River through Ermington, Melrose Park By 2036 there will be more and Wentworth Point to Sydney than 10,000 students and Olympic Park. 30,000 full-time staff working

Artist’s Impression: River Foreshore Cultural Precinct

19 Parramatta North Major UrbanGrowth NSW is planning to deliver new apartments and a village centre, as well as 7 ha of public open space, including precincts a river foreshore park on NSW Government lands. Council will advocate for the retention and Although many areas within adaptive reuse of heritage buildings to accommodate arts, cultural, our City will not undergo health and heritage endeavours. significant change, there are plans for precinct development in several areas across the City of Parramatta.

Westmead More than $3 billion has been committed by the NSW Government, universities and the private sector to upgrade and expand the precinct’s health services, medical research facilities and public transport. As a world-class Innovation District, Westmead will see a significant increase in jobs and students over the next 20 years. A masterplan is being undertaken to guide this and future investment in the precinct.

Granville Part of the Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy area (north of the railway line), the strategy will see Granville transform into a high density, mixed-use town centre with high quality public domain, open space networks and transport links. Camellia The long term vision for renewal at Camellia includes a high density mixed use town centre located on the future Parramatta Light Rail route with a proposed new primary school, community facilities, new jobs, housing and public open spaces on the riverfront.

20 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Telopea Epping Town Centre A combination of new and revitalised social, With significant new and affordable and private housing is planned, as redevelopment putting well as a centre next to the forthcoming pressure on existing light rail station. This mix of housing, transport infrastructure, the Epping and social infrastructure will support a growing Planning Review seeks to and more diverse community. introduce planning controls that better manage future growth. Stage 2 of the Epping Planning Review aims to address principles relating Rydalmere to heritage, commercial The vision for floorspace, public domain, Rydalmere involves traffic and planning processes. its transformation into a high-tech and knowledge precinct. This will involve Melrose Park redevelopment for The urban renewal planned will result in significant retail and commercial public benefit for the new and existing community uses, suiting and surrounding neighbourhoods. Residential businesses seeking development, including a minimum of 150 affordable to build strong dwellings, will provide significant housing stock to the relationships with the area to address housing choice and affordability. adjacent Western Sydney University campus. Wentworth Point This precinct forms part of the wider area of urban renewal of former industrial and commercial lands on the Sydney Olympic Peninsula. A growing residential area is planned, as well as commercial centres and a maritime plaza. This precinct will continue to deliver new homes, open space, shops and services.

Sydney Olympic Park Carter Street The Master Plan for this precinct South of , this seeks to promote the Park’s role as area was rezoned in 2015 to support its a premier destination for cultural, transformation into a vibrant community entertainment, recreation and with easy access to the . sporting events, and protect and The precinct will provide more homes, enhance the public domain and better public spaces, a primary school, parklands. Sydney Olympic Park shops and cafes with access to public will be transformed into a thriving transport, international sporting facilities urban centre providing employment and entertainment venues. opportunities, housing and retail.

21 Accommodating change

Parramatta’s population This period of growth is an we acknowledge that there is growing fast. There exciting but challenging time are numerous challenges and for the City of Parramatta. opportunities ahead. are more people in Population growth is our parks and on our highlighting major infrastructure You are at the heart of our footpaths, more cars gaps, especially around schools, plans to manage growth and on our roads and roads, public transport and changing lifestyles. commuters on our open space. There is a greater Our community has told us it is demand for existing services optimistic about the prospect trains, housing is more and facilities, some of which of better access to good jobs expensive, and there is are ageing, and many of which and improved infrastructure, but more competition for were designed to support a anxious about the intensity of shared resources. much smaller community. change in local neighbourhoods. Construction activity has been Protecting and improving our challenging for many small green spaces, minimising businesses, and has interrupted congestion and preventing access to the city centre. overdevelopment are key concerns. Parramatta has the potential to emerge from this period of Improved accessibility, growth a stronger, more liveable, connectivity and improved more productive and more transport are priorities for the sustainable City. In the meantime, future. New and expanded

22 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Parramatta Lanes Festival, 2016

infrastructure to support levels of trust and happiness. Our climate is changing, and population growth will be The entire community is stronger how we cope with this change expensive, and will require when everyone achieves their full in the future will depend on the coordination from the public and potential. Addressing inequality is adaptation strategies we put in private sectors. therefore essential to improving place now. For our City, there is the health, wellbeing and an increased risk of heat stress, We are committed to prospects for our community drought, flooding, bushfires addressing inequality in as a whole. and storms. our community. Excessive inequality is a problem We will cope with change Heat stress puts the very for any society. While many by planning ahead and young, ill and elderly at risk and members of our community are building resilience. increases energy and water relatively prosperous, others Resilience is the capacity consumption. Flash flooding experience barriers such as of individuals, communities, along the Parramatta River can , low incomes, institutions, businesses, and cause loss of businesses and poor health outcomes, lack of systems within a city to survive, livelihoods. English language proficiency and adapt and grow no matter unaffordable housing. what kinds of stresses and shocks As our City grows, we need they experience. Our community, to build the resilience of Inequality undermines the like any city, is vulnerable to our community, institutions, strength of our community as a economic and geographic businesses and systems – so they whole, and leads to crime, poor inequity, chronic illness, extreme can all thrive regardless of the health outcomes, and lower weather, and other stresses. challenges we face.

23 Our unique history and Parramatta’s heritage and natural enables people to come together landscape connect us with assets are protected for future and generate new connections our past and our future. generations. and ideas. Parramatta is a place of shared ancient and living histories. The Our diverse community means Culture is key to energising and Darug peoples have nurtured the we are greater than the sum promoting our changing city. lands and waters of Parramatta of our parts. It is an exciting time for culture, for thousands of generations, Parramatta is a cosmopolitan City arts and entertainment in the City and our River contains to be our where generations of migrants of Parramatta. Culture encourages greatest natural asset. As the first and their families have prospered the celebration of Parramatta’s seat of European government, and thrived, and our diverse emergence as a cosmopolitan Parramatta has also played a vital community can draw on the global City that is rich in diversity role in our nation’s history. wisdom of many cultures and life and history. It showcases what we experiences. More than half of are passionate about, what we Our changing City is built around our residents speak a language value, and who we are. important colonial buildings other than English at home, and that tell stories of the past, and 50 percent of people were born Culture is key to activating, help us understand our future. overseas. celebrating and promoting our Our community cherishes changing City. It is a driving Parramatta’s parks, bushland and Diversity is our strength, and our force of vibrancy, a contributor river, and recognises that access greatest resources for managing to prosperity and the agent for to green spaces is essential to future challenges are to be found showcasing the Parramatta story. health and wellbeing as density in our community. We recognise increases. We need to ensure that Parramatta’s diversity

We embrace the extraordinary changes our community through a more powerful taking place in the economy, technology, voice in advocacy with other levels of lifestyle and social practices and government, and more resources to acknowledge the profound effects these upgrade and expand essential facilities. will have on our residents, workers and visitors. Council is committed to ensuring that our City benefits from this period of growth, Now is the time to take significant strides and that our community emerges more to shape the future and harness change sustainable, liveable and productive than to deliver positive outcomes for our before. community. We will use our increased capacity as Over the next 20 years, the intensity of a Council to advocate for the needs of growth and investment has the potential to our community, so that all people can create many opportunities. For Council, a share in the benefits of growth, without growing population and more investment compromising what makes our community means a stronger rates base. This allows an strong. increased capacity to improve the lives of

24 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Parramatta River Foreshore

‘The River is the symbolic and real life force of Parramatta’

25 Our vision

26 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Following the formation of the City of Parramatta in 2016, extensive community consultation was carried out to develop a community vision: Sydney’s central city, sustainable, liveable and productive – inspired by our communities.

There was an extraordinarily high investment so that there are more level of community response, with quality jobs closer to home for more than 9000 people sharing Parramatta residents. We must their views on their vision and LIVEABLE also match population growth with priorities for the City of Parramatta. infrastructure development, and Supporting all of our community Over the next 20 years, our ensure that areas with less growth to succeed and live well. challenge is to co-create a city also receive improvement and Champions of our community that is liveable, productive and renewal of infrastructure. In creating and culture. sustainable for all members of our a productive City of Parramatta, diverse community. Liveability is about creating a we help individuals and families to great City for our community to improve their circumstances, and live in, and supporting all of our businesses to prosper. community to succeed and live well. We need to create a more SUSTAINABLE affordable urban lifestyle with Stewards of our built and the prospect of rapid jobs growth LEADING natural environment. Fostering close to quality housing. We vibrant neighbourhoods, places must provide adequate social Accountable to our communities. and development that is well- infrastructure for our diverse and An agile, listening and transparent balanced, connected and growing community by addressing Council working in partnership sustainable. health inequity, accessibility, and providing great services now inclusivity and homelessness. We and into the future. Sustainability is about managing must also ensure our City is safe the relationship between growth Leading is about listening to for all. In creating a liveable City and liveability, as well as creating our community to improve our of Parramatta, we offer access to the right balance between the decision-making, and driving the right support when needed, urban and the natural environment. ethical, sustainable and innovative and promote arts and culture A sustainable city is efficient and approaches to the development of celebrations and destinations. self-sufficient, where resources are a distinctive world-class city. locally sourced when possible, and We need to engage and responsible consumer choices and communicate with our community product use are encouraged to about their needs, as well reduce waste. PRODUCTIVE as provide equal access to information. We also need to Drivers of the economy. Growing manage and improve community It is also a city where the health of local jobs by positioning assets and infrastructure for the our unique natural ecosystem of Parramatta as a global centre future. In creating a leading City of plants and animals is protected for businesses and investment. and enhanced. In becoming a Parramatta, we focus on continual sustainable City of Parramatta, Productivity is about prosperity, improvement in service delivery we foster a healthy and thriving efficiency, and harnessing and efficiency, and aim to excel community and environment that is opportunities to create a stronger in good governance, providing more resilient in times of stress. Parramatta where everyone in the best possible support for our our community achieves their full community so that all can thrive. potential. Pivotal to this is attracting

27 Parramatta Park, 2016

28 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Achieving our vision

In order to achieve our vision, the following long-term community goals have been developed to reflect the community’s aspirations for the City of Parramatta. Supporting strategies provide a roadmap to achieving these goals, and are outlined over the next pages along with measures to track our progress.

FAIR ACCESSIBLE GREEN

WE CAN ALL WE CAN ALL GET WE CARE FOR BENEFIT FROM THE TO WHERE WE AND ENJOY OUR OPPORTUNITIES OUR WANT TO GO. ENVIRONMENT. CITY OFFERS.

WELCOMING THRIVING INNOVATIVE

WE CELEBRATE WE BENEFIT FROM WE COLLABORATE CULTURE AND HAVING A THRIVING AND CHAMPION NEW DIVERSITY - PAST, CBD AND LOCAL IDEAS TO CREATE PRESENT AND FUTURE. CENTRES. A BETTER FUTURE.

29 The City of Parramatta is growing, For Council, our growing and although growth brings some population and stronger rates FAIR challenges, it also brings many base means an increased opportunities. We want everyone capacity to improve the lives of in our community to benefit from our community by addressing our City’s growth and prosperity. inequality, and providing more resources to upgrade and expand The intensity of growth and essential services and facilities. investment in the City of Council is committed to ensuring We can all benefit Parramatta will create many all members of our community can participate in Parramatta’s from the opportunities opportunities for a new and more diverse mix of high quality bright future. our City offers. housing, jobs and infrastructure.

Our strategies to achieve How we will track our progress: this are:

1.1 Invest in services and facilities for our growing • Provision of and access to essential services community and community facilities • Dwelling mix, level of housing stress and risk 1.2 Advocate for affordable and diverse housing of homelessness choices • Health, wellbeing and general life satisfaction of residents 1.3 Support people to live active and healthy lives • Early childhood development, participation in education, and adult literacy rates 1.4 Ensure everyone has access to education • Community giving of time and resources and learning opportunities • Residents’ financial and social resilience • Level of income inequality 1.5 Empower communities to be strong and • Community engagement and consultation resilient by building individual and community • Community confidence in Council capability

1.6 Engage and consult the community in decision-making

1.7 Deliver effective, responsible and ethical leadership and decision-making, reflective of community needs and aspirations

KEY PARTNERS: • NSW Department of Family • NSW Department • Committee for Sydney and Community Services of Education • NSW Health • Greater Sydney Commission • NSW Department of • Western Sydney Community Planning and Environment Forum

30 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 In the City of Parramatta, much efficiently improves liveability like the rest of Sydney, quality and and creates a better quality of life ACCESSIBLE ease of access to other places by reducing the time and stress varies widely depending on where associated with commuting. you live. The location of jobs Better accessibility can also be and opportunities, the structure life-changing for some residents, of transport networks and such as people with a disability, congestion all influence the time it the less mobile and even people takes to travel between places. pushing prams, while also We can all get to where benefitting the wider community. we want to go. Having a variety of options to get to places seamlessly and

Our strategies to achieve How we will track our progress: this are:

2.1 Design our City so that it is usable by people • Public transport service coverage of all ages and abilities • Public transport usage • Participation in walking and cycling 2.2 Improve public transport to and from • Satisfaction with walking and cycling paths Parramatta CBD, our local centres, and facilities neighbourhoods and the greater Sydney • Satisfaction with local road conditions region • Satisfaction with local traffic management 2.3 Make our City more enjoyable and safe for and signs walking and cycling

2.4 Provide and upgrade roads and improve safety for all road users

2.5 Manage traffic congestion and access to parking

KEY PARTNERS: • Transport for NSW • Greater Sydney Commission • Roads and Maritime Services • Committee for Sydney • NSW Department of • Western Sydney Regional Planning and Environment Organisation of Councils • NSW Health

31 The City of Parramatta is unique and productivity. More energy in its surroundings – truly a City efficient buildings attract GREEN in nature. Maintaining a healthy significant businesses and bushland and river not only investors, and good indoor and provides habitat for plants and outdoor environments contribute animals, but also makes our City a to improved wellbeing. As our more enjoyable place to live, rest population grows, reducing and recreate. our waste, water and energy will help lessen our impact on We care for and enjoy Caring for our environment our surrounds, meaning our helps contribute to a liveable City is more sustainable in the our environment. city, and improves sustainability long term.

Our strategies to achieve How we will track our progress: this are:

3.1 Protect and enhance our natural environment • Extent of bush regeneration and tree planting • Species diversity 3.2 Improve our River and waterways • Improvements to water quality and swimmmability • Perceptions of cleanliness 3.3 Keep our City clean • Provision of and upgrades to parks and green space • Initiatives to minimise the impacts 3.4 Provide green spaces for recreation, of extreme weather relaxation and enjoyment • Energy efficiency and renewable energy supply 3.5 Prepare for and lessen the impacts of extreme • Water efficiency and alternative weather events water supply • Waste diversion from landfill. 3.6 Promote energy and water efficiency, renewable energy sources, and reduced emissions and waste

KEY PARTNERS: • NSW Office of Environment • NSW Environmental and Heritage Protection Authority • NSW Department of • Western Sydney Regional Planning and Environment Organisation of Councils • • Resilient Sydney

32 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Parramatta has an incredibly the next 20 years our City will rich history, from the Darug continue to generate a strong WELCOMING peoples who have inhabited sense of place, invite creativity, this land for more than 60,000 stimulate prosperity and years, to the recently migrated. celebrate our diversity. Our diversity of cultures and sense of community are our Driven by culture, Parramatta City’s greatest strengths, and will be known for its diversity fundamental to our identity. and energy, a place where talent We celebrate culture Our histories are colliding, flourishes, with people, ideas and and diversity – past, creating a new, global city. Over creativity at its core. present and future.

Our strategies to achieve How we will track our progress: this are:

4.1 Acknowledge the Darug peoples as the • Progress towards Reconciliation Action Plan traditional custodians of this land and make outcomes Parramatta a leading City of Reconciliation • New knowledge, insights and ideas gained • Creativity stimulated 4.2 Promote the growth of arts and culture and • Aesthetic enrichment experienced champion the role that culture plays in • Sense of belonging to a shared heritage city-building experienced • Diversity of cultural expression appreciated. 4.3 Respect, protect and celebrate our shared living histories of Parramatta and embrace our heritage

4.4 Recognise that Parramatta has always been a gathering place and our diversity is our strength

KEY PARTNERS: • Reconciliation Australia • Parramatta Park Trust • Museum of Applied Arts • NSW Department of • UrbanGrowth NSW & Sciences (MAAS) Planning and Environment • Create NSW • Information and Cultural • Sydney Festival • Live Music Office Exchange (ICE) • Parramasala Limited • Westwords • Tropfest • Riverside Theatres

33 Businesses thrive in prosperous better quality of life. communities, and employers Parramatta’s sphere of influence THRIVING benefit when students graduate is greater than just our City’s from school and university boundary – a thriving CBD is of equipped with skills for the value not only to our residents workforce. Individuals and but also visitors and workers families can improve their from surrounding areas. Our circumstances when they have community also wants attractive the training to access jobs that and distinctive local centres, right We benefit from having enable them to live with dignity across the City of Parramatta. a thriving CBD and local and security, and being able to work close to home promotes a centres.

Our strategies to achieve How we will track our progress: this are:

5.1 Accelerate local jobs growth and support • Local employment statistics people in finding employment • Business and investment activity • Vibrancy and attractiveness of the City of Parramatta 5.2 Attract public and private investment to our • Perceptions of safety City and support the growth and prosperity of • Aesthetic enrichment experienced local businesses • Economic activity

5.3 Plan and deliver a vibrant, attractive and safe CBD and local centres

5.4 Ensure major centres have a thriving day and night time economy

KEY PARTNERS: • Western Sydney Business • Epping Chamber of • Westmead Alliance Chamber Commerce • Greater Sydney Commission • Parramatta Chamber of • Committee for Sydney • UrbanGrowth NSW Commerce • NSW Department of • NSW Police Planning and Environment

34 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 35 With the scale of transformation use open data and enabling that Parramatta is undergoing, technologies to create a vibrant, INNOVATIVE managing growth is one of the people-centric, and connected top concerns for our community. City. Council will continue to The future of Parramatta is much provide service excellence more than bricks and mortar – it that addresses community includes best practice in city issues, aiming for continuous design, technology, creativity and improvement and leveraging connectivity. It is not simply about the benefits of a larger local We collaborate and growth: it is about becoming government area. We value the ingenuity of collaboration, and champion new ideas to smarter. Inspired by some of the world’s greatest cities, Parramatta working with strategic partners create a better future. will leverage the foundations and stakeholders will help make of good urban planning, and our City great.

Our strategies to achieve How we will track our progress: this are:

6.1 Engage in strategic planning and implement • Community attitudes towards Council’s innovative solutions to manage the growth collaborative efforts of our City • Community attitudes towards Council innovation and forward-thinking 6.2 Support collaboration and partnerships to • Perception and promotion of Parramatta as deliver key outcomes for our City a research, education and training precinct • Corporate performance indicators • Community satisfaction with value for 6.3 Embrace technology, creativity and innovation money for Council rates to solve complex problems and improve our City

6.4 Attract leading research, education and training facilities to Parramatta

6.5 Manage the City’s assets and financial resources in a responsible manner and provide the best possible services for the community

KEY PARTNERS: • Westmead Alliance • • Western Sydney University • Greater Sydney Commission • University of New England • Western Sydney Regional • University of New South Organisation of Councils Wales

35 35 Council’s role

As the City of Parramatta continues to grow, Council, our stakeholders and our community need to work together to invest in our individual and collective wellbeing.

While Council has a custodial role in initiating, preparing and maintaining the Community Strategic Plan on behalf of the community, it is not wholly responsible for its implementation. Many of the issues and concerns facing the City of Parramatta are complex and beyond the direct control and influence of Council, such as public transport, health, schools, housing, planning and employment.

To deliver the community’s vision, Council works with various stakeholders and partners including other levels of government and their affiliated agencies, local businesses and industry, educational institutions, community groups, and other service providers.

Council’s role, depending on the activity being undertaken, is to Deliver, Partner, and/or Advocate. The principal activities to be carried out by Council over the next three years are outlined in Council’s Delivery Program 2018-2021 and Operational Plan 2018/19.

By building strong partnerships, taking a strong leadership role, and delivering on its own commitments, Council plays a pivotal role in shaping places and supporting local people to lead fulfilling lives.

36 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Parramatta CBD

Deliver Council delivers a wide range of programs and services including waste collection, libraries, child care, maintenance of local roads and public spaces, recreation facilities and programs, community care, special events and regulatory functions.

Partner Council builds strategic partnerships with Federal and State Government agencies, the private sector and a range of other stakeholders whose work will contribute to delivering the long term goals outlined in this Community Strategic Plan.

Advocate When not in direct control or partnership, Council gives voice to the needs and aspirations of the community by advocating for changes in policy and action at relevant levels of government and industry to bring about the best outcomes for our community.

37 What Council is already doing

Achieving the vision set out by the community in this plan requires a commitment to action. City of Parramatta has already prepared and commenced delivery of several significant plans and strategies to guide the City’s growth and change.

Community Engagement that unprecedented growth Economic Development Plan Strategy brings. Culture and Our City Employment growth close to At City of Parramatta, we believe outlines a roadmap to create a quality housing is essential to it’s important that our community city that is liveable, has a strong ensuring the wellbeing of our can see and have a direct impact sense of place, invites creativity entire community. To help enable on the decisions of its Council. and stimulates prosperity. this, the Economic Development This strategy provides a roadmap Plan encourages marketing for creating and maintaining Disability Inclusion Action Plan and investment attraction, good relationships and effective We’re committed to creating an support for small business and engagement with our community inclusive and accessible City for strategic partnerships with key and stakeholders. It acts as a everyone who lives, work and stakeholders to help deliver guide for consultation, research visits the City of Parramatta. This inclusive growth for all. and engagement across Council plan outlines the practical steps in order to ensure best practice Council will take to create a more Environmental Sustainability engagement with our community, inclusive community for people Strategy now and into the future. with disability who are living in The natural environment creates our City. The actions set focus on a better quality of life, not just Culture and Our City developing positive community for people, but for all living City of Parramatta’s Cultural attitudes and behaviours, creating things. City of Parramatta’s Plan champions the role that liveable neighbourhoods, Environmental Sustainability culture plays in city building, supporting access to meaningful Strategy focuses on protecting and prepares our City for the employment and improving and enhancing our natural opportunities and challenges access to services. environment while also ensuring

COMMUNITY Culture AnD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LIFE-CHANGING ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY our City FOR SOME, DEVELOPMENT A Cultural Plan for STRATEGY Parramatta’s CBD DRAFT 2017 - 2022 BENEFITS EVERYONE PLAN 2017 -2021 DRAFT th Disability Inclusion Action Plan Adopted 10 July 2017

Economic Development Plan 2017 1 Community Engagement Strategy Draft 1 2017-2021 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 1

Community Engagement Strategy Draft 1

38 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 that the built environment is City’s growth and prosperity and have more transport choices as ready for the future through we recognise that now is the time our City grows. reduced water and energy to take significant strides to shape consumption, more sustainable a future for our City in which all Parramatta Ways Walking transport options and resilience people can share. Sharing The Strategy to extreme heat and flood events. Opportunities of Growth for All is A plan for a green grid across City of Parramatta’s framework for the City of Parramatta that aims Reconciliation Action Plan advancing social sustainability in to better connect people and City of Parramatta Council our City and sets out a new way of places, and support healthy will lead by example to working that puts people first. lifestyles by encouraging more advance the important walking. cause of Reconciliation. The Transport Planning Stretch Reconciliation Action Transport is critical to the future For details of planned delivery Plan outlines ways to foster of a sustainable, liveable and actions over the next three years, relationships with the Darug productive city. Smart, multi- see Council’s Delivery Program peoples and other Aboriginal modal transport solutions are 2018-2021 and Operational Plan and Torres Strait Islander being considered and progressing 2018/19. communities, show respect for to planning and delivery stages the history, resilience and hopes that will transform the joint futures of Aboriginal cultures and create of both Sydney and Parramatta opportunities to make real and metro regions. These include: lasting improvements to the social wellbeing of Aboriginal Parramatta Bike Plan and Torres Strait Islander people. A 20-year plan for developing Parramatta’s cycling network Socially Sustainable that will play an important role Parramatta Framework in supporting the liveability of We want everyone in our Greater Parramatta by enabling community to benefit from our residents, workers and visitors to

SHARING THE OPPORTUNITIES OF GROWTH FOR ALL City of Parramatta Socially Sustainable STRETCH Parramatta Framework Reconciliation Action Plan July 2017-July 2020 PARRAMATTA PARRAMATTA BIKE PLAN WAYS

IMPLEMENTING SYDNEY’S July 2017 Socially Susutainable Parramatta Framework 2017/18 1 GREEN GRID

39 Key projects

City of Parramatta Council • Westmead Innovation Precinct • Escarpment Boardwalk is working with the NSW • Camellia Priority Precinct cycle and walkway Government on key projects • Epping Town Centre including: We will continue to advocate • Telopea Town Centre • Parramatta Light Rail on a range of strategic issues to • Parramatta and Rydalmere • Parramatta CBD Aquatic secure the best outcomes for our Wharf upgrades Leisure Centre community. For further details of • Parramatta North Heritage Council’s work, please consult • Museum of Applied Arts Precinct Council’s Delivery Program. and Sciences • Parramatta Road Urban Corridor • Transformation Tracking our progress

This Community Strategic Plan will be published at the end of achievements in implementing has outlined our community’s the current Council term, in 2020. its Delivery Program, as well as shared vision and aspirations a financial summary showing for the future, and how they In addition, councils are required key income expenditure areas will be achieved. to report regularly to the for the financial year, and an community on all levels of their asset report. So that we can track our integrated plans. This includes: progress along the way, we’ll use The Community Strategic Plan • Progress reports on the the methods identified on pages will be reviewed and updated principal activities in the 30-35 of this Plan to monitor our following the completion of this Delivery Program every six movement towards achieving Council term to ensure that it months these goals. A full report on the remains responsive to changing progress of the implementation • An annual report which circumstances. of the Community Strategic Plan outlines Council’s

40 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 Parramatta Artists Studios

41 42 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038 CITY OF PARRAMATTA COUNCIL

Address: 126 Church St, Parramatta PO Box 32 Parramatta NSW, 2124 Phone: 9806 5050 Email:  [email protected] Facsimile: 9806 5917 Web: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au To contact the Lord Mayor follow the link at: For non-English speakers, phone interpretation services cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au are available by TIS National on 131 450.

43 44 City of Parramatta Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038