Parramatta River is one of the most prestigious river systems in Australia – flowing from West Sydney through the heartland of the city. It is the largest tributary to Sydney Harbour, and the river has a rich cultural history as the traditional home of the Dharug people and the site of Australia’s second settlement.
As it winds through Sydney, access to Parramatta River is offered from both banks through numerous parklands, recreation areas, walkways and easements – with residents and tourists exploring its rich heritage, fine dining and arts.
Feeding the river system are two major dual catchments, with the Upper Parramatta Catchment formed from Pendle Hill, Coopers, Darling Mills and Hunts creeks – and a Lower River Catchment that includes Vineyard, Subiaco and Clay Cliff creeks.
Surrounded by high-density residential and commercial zones, the river receives high-volume flows from Sydney’s network of stormwater drains. Consequently, Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is all-important for sustainable outcomes across the foreshore.
The City of Parramatta embodies its long-term vision for the renewal of the riverway in the master plan ‘Duba, Budu, Barra: Ten Steps to a Living River’.
Partnerships between the City of Parramatta, and eleven key councils and agencies, including NSW Planning & Environment and Sydney Water, created the Parramatta River Catchment Group in 2014.
A key outcome is improving water quality to make the Parramatta River swimmable by 2025 across twelve locations. These locations include existing swimming sites, Cabarita Park Beach, Chiswick Baths, Dawn Fraser Baths and Lake Parramatta – and additional locations at Putney Park, Bayview Park, and McIlwaine Park.
The ‘ten steps’ include improvements in stormwater runoff, planning controls, sewer overflows and community education – raising awareness through leadership and stakeholder engagement.
