The light-hearted banter from a premier in election-mode led Mr Baird into the nitty-gritty of his short and sharp talk on the importance of “Sydney’s dual CBD” at Friday’s State of the City address, held in the Novotel at Parramatta.
Co-ordinated by Parramatta Chamber of Commerce and Parramatta Council, the annual address brings together city leaders and the premier whenever possible.
Mr Baird, Lord Mayor Scott Lloyd, Chamber president Roger Byrne, council CEO Greg Dyer, CEO Committee for Sydney Dr Tim Williams and UWS vice-chancellor Dr Tim Williams all spoke of the part Parramatta plays in the economy of Australia.
With all the recent focus on Parramatta as the second or dual CBD of Sydney, it was hardly surprising that an enamoured Mr Baird stated that Parramatta was vital to the future of NSW and the nation.
"I don't think we have ever seen a time in our history where such opportunities present themselves as in the next five to 10 years," Mr Baird said.
He said investors from around the world were looking to Parramatta in particular to invest in infrastructure.
Mr Baird urged everyone excited about Parramatta’s progress to “hug a crane” as “cranes in the sky” best signified economic health.
Joking that he was spending more time with Mr Lee than his wife - “and that’s not a good thing” - it certainly has been good for Parramatta, with promises to build the state’s first high rise school in the CBD, to bring the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta and to start building the long-awaited light rail network.
The government is yet to announce which of the four possible routes will be built first but Clr Lloyd made it clear that council preferred the Westmead to Epping via Carlingford option.
Mr Baird said Parramatta’s significance had long been recognised but he said “today it has gone beyond that, we are starting to see something quite transformational taking place" .
He said Parramattta was “leading the nation” and would be “the place to be in the future”.
Clr Lloyd was complimentary of the state government’s investment in Parramatta but called for the WestConnex M4 widening to include on and off ramps for Parramatta CBD, Westmead and Camelia.
Mr Williams, who achieved acclaim for his rebuilding of London’s east end - which faces similar challenges as Parramatta - said the increasing focus on Parramatta as the dual CBD was “a gamechanger” for Sydney.
He said Parramatta’s “time had come” but the impetus needed to continue with a bi-partisan approach from governments.
“We need to see a consistent bi-partisan vision and a long-term strategy,” he said. “That would mean a 12 minute train ride to Central and a walkable city.
He also said becoming a university city would invigorate Parramatta as 25 to 34 year olds drove the economy.
“Eat Street is the best eating experience in Sydney, with its variety and safety for families, something you rarely find in Sydney.”
Chamber calls for consultation
While applauding Parramatta Council’s and the NSW government’s vision for Parramatta, Chamber president Roger Byrne called for small businesses to be better consulted about major developments that disrupted their trade.
“The chamber, the oldest business chamber in Sydney, wants to be consulted more on how to build the city,” Mr Byrne said at Friday’s State of the City address.
Mr Byrne said the city could be better promoted for tourism, its bio-medical precinct and multi-cultural businesses.
Referring to some “unfriendly” areas of Parramatta CBD, Mr Byrne called for more CCTV cameras.
He said he was pleased with the light rail proposal, concept of high rise schools, proposal to move the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta and rivershore activities.
At a glance - Parramatta is set for:
● $8 bill in development over next few years.
● $2 bill Parramatta Square underway.
● New UWS city campus.
● Planned relocation of Powerhouse Museum.
● Light rail network connecting to major centre.
● Development of Westmead, Rydalmere, Camellia, Rosehill precincts.
● Opening of Jamie Oliver’s prestigious Jamie’s Trattoria in CBD.
● State’s first high rise high school on Arthur Phillip site.
