The event, held at the Novotel Parramatta and hosted by the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, was attended by around 200 local business people, providing a great opportunity to discuss key issues surrounding our City’s future.
Mr Baird delivered a powerful speech, re-affirming his Government’s commitment to Parramatta and Western Sydney, and describing a “once in a generation” chance to transform our City.
“I don’t think we have ever seen a time in our history where such opportunities lie in the next five to 10 years,” he said.
“There’s always been a belief on the ground of how important, significant and great Parramatta City and region is, but today it has gone beyond that. We are starting to see something transformational taking place.”
Mr Baird said the commitment to relocate the Powerhouse Museum was only the first step in plans to bring further cultural facilities to Western Sydney, and that further vibrancy would be brought to Parramatta by the new University of Western Sydney high-rise campus currently under construction as part of Parramatta Square.
Before the election the Government also announced an extra eight peak hour train services from Parramatta to the Sydney CBD and $100 million for an extra 80 weekly ferry services, four brand new vessels and upgrades to wharves for Parramatta River ferries.
These significant investments by the State Government, which also include a multi-million dollar revamp of Westmead Hospital and $1billion for the Western Sydney Light Rail Network, are a vote of confidence in Council’s vision to build Australia’s next great city.
In other news the Our Living River initiative continues to gain momentum with Environment Minister Rob Stokes attending the last Family Fun Day event at Concord, hosted by City of Canada Bay Council.
The event, also attended by Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti MP and Canada Bay Mayor and Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas, followed the successful 1930s themed event held at Lake Parramatta in mid-March.
Mr Stokes has thrown his support behind the campaign and outlined aspects of his plan to achieve the goal of making Parramatta River swimmable again by 2025.
The campaign by the Parramatta River Catchment Group, of which Parramatta City Council is a member and current host and I am the chairman, continues to be embraced by the wider community.
So far almost 2000 people have voted on the Our Living River website for where they would like to swim along the Parramatta River.
Lake Parramatta tops the list, followed by Centennial Baths, Little Coogee and Silverwater Baths.
To achieve a clean, swimmable Parramatta River by 2025, we need Government and community support. To get behind the campaign visit ourlivingriver.com.au.
