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LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFILE
How does the council plan to attract new business
investment?
the way to the Rydalmere campus. The same goes for
Parramatta workers who live on suburbs along the way.
An increasing number of public and private sector
organisations are moving to Parramatta as property in
Sydney’s CBD becomes scarce and prohibitively expensive.
We’re also undertaking works to one of the City’s
main bridges, Lennox Bridge, which will see the
installation of two portals allowing people easier
access from the Ferry Wharf to heritage listed
Parramatta Park.
Around 30% of Australia’s top 500 businesses have
offices in Parramatta, including AON, Lend Lease, QBE,
Suncorp and Telstra. Government agencies such as the
Australian Taxation Office, Department of Defence and
NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice also
have offices here.
The growing number of businesses in the city means
the Parramatta Local Government Area is now the
second-largest work destination in Sydney, employing
around 120,000 people.
Among the initiatives we’re rolling out to attract
businesses is our Parramatta 10,000 campaign that
aims to generate more government jobs to the city.
Council recently launched its investment document
for 2014, Parramatta: Investing in Western Sydney, to
encourage commercial property development and large
business to relocate here. In 2014, Council will broaden
its engagement and prioritise the following activities:
• Research to profile Parramatta’s target market
for relocation;
• High level engagement with leading Sydneybased firms and key decision makers; and,
• Marketing to enhance Parramatta’s brand and
build demand.
What is coming up regarding essential infrastructure
upgrades in the Parramatta area?
Parramatta is truly stepping up as the business
and economic capital of Western Sydney. We’re not
interested in a business as usual approach – we’re
investing in the City’s infrastructure, reactivating the
Parramatta River foreshore area and putting forward a
long term vision for Parramatta.
In February, work commenced to complete a 12
kilometre off-road pathway between Westmead and
Meadowbank. When that pathway is complete, a
student from the University of Western Sydney living in
Westmead can walk or ride on the off-road pathway all
Govlink I Issue 1 2014
The revamp of Church St Mall, the City’s most
recognisable thoroughfare, is also well underway,
ensuring residents, workers and visitors will get to
enjoy a new modern public space by the end of this
year. The works include brighter feature lighting,
modern paving and street furniture, stylish new café
and kiosk structures, and a new illuminated fountain.
We’ll also be restoring the area to its original name –
Centenary Square.
What is your proudest achievement so far during
your time as Mayor?
I’m proud to have led a city that has recently been
ranked as the most liveable place in NSW by the
prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia.
This accolade has been the result of great
teamwork between Council, our local business
community and residents.
Our innovative approach to urban renewal, investment
and jobs growth has helped turn Parramatta into a
modern, vibrant CBD and economic powerhouse as
the capital of the Western Sydney region.
Under my Lord Mayoralty, the CBD has been
revitalised and now has Australia’s fastest growing
night time economy. We are activating our river
foreshore with new developments and tourist
attractions and are engaged in work to develop the
southern hemisphere’s largest biomedical research
precinct at Westmead.
I’m also proud we’re making Parramatta safer,
healthier and better connected. We have upgraded
closed-circuit TV in the CBD, my Healthy Generations
program is encouraging healthier lifestyles for
residents and workers of all ages and fitness levels,
and we now offer free Wi-Fi internet across the CBD.