The population of NSW is projected to grow by 100,500 people on average each year to 2031 - an increase of around 2 million people by 2031, with 1.6 million of that growth occurring in Sydney. This growth will require around one million new homes.
Western Sydney LGAs are projected to grow on average by more than 2% year on year.
Parramatta LGA’s population is projected to grow by 1.9% to around 253,900 by 2031 with over 93,700 households.
So how can we plan for this growth now, before it’s too late?
As the ‘Capital of Western Sydney’ and the geographic centre of Greater Sydney, Parramatta is well positioned to serve those who currently live and work in Western Sydney as well as accommodate for the predicted future population growth.
As well serving the needs of a growing community, Parramatta will itself benefit from ‘agglomeration’ with world class knowledge and innovation hubs and urban activation precincts with fantastic opportunities to create new historic waterfront housing estates.
It’s a win win
My vision is to see sites like Camellia, Parramatta’s hidden gem developed into over 350 hectares of residential and commercial property, with vacant land already available and already connected to heavy rail lines and roads such as James Ruse Drive.
Building new infrastructure like a bridge over Duck Creek will connect the precinct to Silverwater and the potential for light rail will link the site to education hubs like the University of Western Sydney and the proposed Rydalmere Technology Precinct.
Work is underway on developing the Parramatta North Heritage Master Plan where heritage would be at the heart of a new community that incorporates historic assets with new residential and commercial property.
Such a move not only sees the preservation of the area’s heritage assets but would accommodate for a growing population and potentially return $1 billion to the local economy.
It is essential to ensure that all sites of future housing are supported by good planning and infrastructure investment. This will be vital to delivering a stronger economy, more local jobs and better transport, health and education services.
Westmead currently sits as the largest Bio-Medical Precinct in Australia. It is home to CRMI, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Children's Hospital and a range of other health specialists.
The close proximity of this site is one important reason why Parramatta is best placed to cater for the population growth.
I will continue to strongly advocate for the largest redevelopment of Westmead Hospital in its 35 year history to ensure we meet the future needs of a growing and an aging population.
A reliable and efficient integrated transport system is also essential - one that incorporates a mix of value based options.
Light rail should be considered for its potential to connect places like Carlingford, Dundas, Telopea, Rydalmere and Westmead.
The right mix of public transport options will support urban activation precincts and existing hubs and ease congestion on roads, trains and buses.
WestConnex, the largest infrastructure project in Australia’s history will save an estimated 35 minutes of travel time and by-pass 52 sets of traffic lights for a journey between Parramatta and Sydney airport.
A second Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek will bring major upgrades to local roads and transport and provide a major boost to the Western Sydney economy.
It is projects like these that will cement Western Sydney and Parramatta as the best location to meet the population explosion.
Not only do we meet the needs of a growing population, but our local economy, local jobs, local infrastructure and local transport, health and education services get a significant boost catering for current and future generations.
