Parramatta City Council will work closely with the re-elected Baird Government to help deliver a raft of new initiatives including the Western Sydney Light Rail Network, two new schools, new ferry wharves and urban renewal plans for Camellia. 

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Scott Lloyd, said the election result brings added certainty to these commitments, boosting Council’s vision to build Australia’s next great city.

“The Government has a very exciting growth agenda for Parramatta, reflecting our new status as a “dual CBD” with the same purpose and stature as the Sydney CBD,” Cr Lloyd said.

“Determining the first route of the Western Sydney Light Rail Network is a key priority for Council, and we look forward to working with new Transport Minister Andrew Constance to help deliver this important project. Council’s preferred first route is from Westmead to Epping via Carlingford.”

Cr Lloyd said Council will partner with the Government to bring several other major projects to reality including:

• Finding a location for the new Powerhouse Museum, which will move to Parramatta under the Government’s $30 million arts and cultural commitment for Western Sydney
• Developing the vision to turn Camellia precinct into a new commercial, residential and industrial hub
• Ensuring proper vehicle access to and from the new Westconnex motorway, with Council continuing to lobby for on and off ramps at the southern end of Church St
• Building new ferry wharves at Parramatta and Rydalmere. Council staff are already liaising with Roads and Maritime Services on plans. 
• Building a new multi-level 2,000 student high school and 1,000 student primary school

Cr Lloyd said Council would continue to lobby for an upgrade to Parramatta Stadium to raise its capacity to 35,000 seats, giving Western Sydney its own world-class stadium to host major sporting events.

“The Government has allocated $600 million to a stadium package with potential upgrades for the Olympic Stadium, Sydney Football Stadium at Moore Park and Parramatta Stadium,” he said.

“We will continue lobbying for at least half this funding to be allocated to upgrading Parramatta Stadium which, unlike the other stadiums, is located a few minutes’ walk from cafes, restaurants and other CBD amenities.”

Cr Lloyd congratulated Premier Mike Baird on the Government’s decisive election win and said Council looked forward to working with him, his new ministry and re-elected Parramatta MP Dr Geoff Lee to achieve great things for Parramatta.

“It’s going to be a very busy and productive four-year term as Parramatta and Western Sydney benefit from major election commitments,” he said.

“The Government has also committed to a $900 million redevelopment of Westmead Hospital, extra train and ferry services to the Sydney CBD and development of the North Parramatta urban renewal precinct.”

Cr Lloyd also congratulated Baulkham Hills MP David Elliott who has been promoted to Cabinet as Minister for Corrective Services, Emergency Services and Veterans Affairs.

Source: Parramatta City Council