Parramatta Council looks to place the river as central to the City’s identity

The City of Parramatta has advised it will be exploring options to develop an activation program to re-establish the Parramatta River as central to the identity of the City.

Council supports a plan to build on the Parramatta River Vision and consider how to enhance the foreshore including public art, markets, festivals, walking tours, river experiences and beautification works.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey said a plan to activate the foreshore precinct would help celebrate Parramatta's place as the Central River City and noted "The Parramatta River is core to our City's DNA and emerging identity as Sydney's Central River City.

"The river's role as a meeting place is an integral part of our history and we want to ensure it remains a key point of connection for the community in our future - a place where people can swim, walk and relax."

"We are already working with government agencies and community groups to make Parramatta River swimmable by 2025, and with more than 75% of future growth in Parramatta planned to occur within a 10-minute walk or cycle of the Parramatta River it is important to breathe new life into its foreshore."

"We want the river and its foreshore to be a major drawcard for locals and visitors alike."

The Parramatta River Vision recognises the river as a vital environmental, social, and cultural asset. It prioritises waterfront open space, aims for world-class city-shaping outcomes, and encourages collaboration with stakeholders to honour the river as a living entity.