Parramatta City Council has welcomed Prime Minister, Julia Gillard’s announcement of $3.75 million towards the Parramatta River City Renewal Project.
The funding was announced as part of the Federal Government’s Liveable Cities Program and will allow Council to complete work on three critical missing links to the Parramatta Valley Cycleway.
The Cycleway is the busiest shared route for commuters and recreation in Western Sydney and will connect the University of Western Sydney to the city centre, through Parramatta Park and beyond to Westmead.
“This is fantastic news for Parramatta and Western Sydney, it will relieve traffic congestion in and around the City and provide stronger connections between the City’s major tertiary, employment and research centres,” said the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Lorraine Wearne.
“Once completed, the cycleway will allow walkers and bike riders to travel from Parramatta Park to Meadowbank on dedicated paths avoiding the busy roads of the industrial areas of Rydalmere and Ermington.
“The cycleway will also encourage physical activity in our community, reduce our environmental footprint and help us celebrate our unique historical, cultural and natural heritage,” she said.
This initiative is part of a wider strategy to activate the Parramatta River Foreshore in the CBD and beyond and reinstate the River as a key part to the City’s future.
“The river foreshore is one of Parramatta’s strongest assets. This project will provide increased accessibility along the river and allow more workers, families and residents the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful surrounds,” Cr Wearne said.
The Liveable Cities Program has been established by the Australian Government to foster innovative urban design solutions and improve open space and public places.
The Parramatta River City Renewal Program is a partnership between Parramatta City Council, NSW Roads and Maritime Services and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
