By Paul Nicolaou | Executive Director, Business Sydney
Business Sydney’s long campaign for urban blighted Parramatta Road to be redeveloped to help solve Sydney’s housing supply crisis is today on the way to becoming a reality.
The Minns Government and Inner West Council decision to rezone parts of Parramatta Road and surrounding suburbs to deliver 8,000 new homes is a big step in the right direction.
The decision tackles the housing crisis and begins revitalising one of our city’s most important – but long-neglected – transport corridors.
Business Sydney has long advocated for action on Parramatta Road, and today’s commitment demonstrates what can be achieved when state and local governments work together.
Executive Director of Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou, said:
“This is exactly the type of bold, collaborative planning that Sydney needs. Parramatta Road has been crying out for renewal for decades, and this rezoning is a vital step towards unlocking new housing close to jobs, transport, schools, hospitals, and open space. We applaud Premier Minns, Minister Scully, local State Member Jo Haylen, and Mayor Byrne on delivering a breakthrough that will benefit Sydney for generations.”
While welcoming the announcement, Business Sydney is calling for a dedicated Parramatta Road Authority to be established to oversee the corridor’s long-term renewal.
“Parramatta Road is too important to Sydney’s future to be dealt with in a piecemeal way,” Mr Nicolaou said. “A single authority is needed to coordinate planning, infrastructure, and delivery across the entire corridor – from the CBD to Parramatta. This should include provision for essential worker housing, new retail and commercial hubs, and modern community infrastructure to support the population growth.”
Business Sydney is also urging the Government to ensure Sydney’s light rail network is extended along Parramatta Road through to Church Street in Parramatta.
“A light rail extension will unlock the full potential of this corridor, creating a modern, connected spine linking the Inner West and Parramatta. Housing, jobs, and transport need to go hand-in-hand if we are to get this right.”
Business Sydney looks forward to continuing to work with the Government, councils, businesses and the community to ensure Parramatta Road becomes a vibrant, liveable and economically dynamic precinct for the future.
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David is a Walkley Award-winning journalist with a distinguished career spanning more than half a century in print, television and radio journalism, political and corporate affairs and high-level media relations including incident and issues management. Media Enquiries - David Jones M: 0448 285 996