Australian Govlink Vol 1 2014 | Page 10

6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFILE How does the council plan to attract new business investment? the way to the Rydalmere campus. The same goes for Parramatta workers who live on suburbs along the way. An increasing number of public and private sector organisations are moving to Parramatta as property in Sydney’s CBD becomes scarce and prohibitively expensive. We’re also undertaking works to one of the City’s main bridges, Lennox Bridge, which will see the installation of two portals allowing people easier access from the Ferry Wharf to heritage listed Parramatta Park. Around 30% of Australia’s top 500 businesses have offices in Parramatta, including AON, Lend Lease, QBE, Suncorp and Telstra. Government agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office, Department of Defence and NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice also have offices here. The growing number of businesses in the city means the Parramatta Local Government Area is now the second-largest work destination in Sydney, employing around 120,000 people. Among the initiatives we’re rolling out to attract businesses is our Parramatta 10,000 campaign that aims to generate more government jobs to the city. Council recently launched its investment document for 2014, Parramatta: Investing in Western Sydney, to encourage commercial property development and large business to relocate here. In 2014, Council will broaden its engagement and prioritise the following activities: • Research to profile Parramatta’s target market for relocation; • High level engagement with leading Sydneybased firms and key decision makers; and, • Marketing to enhance Parramatta’s brand and build demand. What is coming up regarding essential infrastructure upgrades in the Parramatta area? Parramatta is truly stepping up as the business and economic capital of Western Sydney. We’re not interested in a business as usual approach – we’re investing in the City’s infrastructure, reactivating the Parramatta River foreshore area and putting forward a long term vision for Parramatta. In February, work commenced to complete a 12 kilometre off-road pathway between Westmead and Meadowbank. When that pathway is complete, a student from the University of Western Sydney living in Westmead can walk or ride on the off-road pathway all Govlink I Issue 1 2014 The revamp of Church St Mall, the City’s most recognisable thoroughfare, is also well underway, ensuring residents, workers and visitors will get to enjoy a new modern public space by the end of this year. The works include brighter feature lighting, modern paving and street furniture, stylish new café and kiosk structures, and a new illuminated fountain. We’ll also be restoring the area to its original name – Centenary Square. What is your proudest achievement so far during your time as Mayor? I’m proud to have led a city that has recently been ranked as the most liveable place in NSW by the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia. This accolade has been the result of great teamwork between Council, our local business community and residents. Our innovative approach to urban renewal, investment and jobs growth has helped turn Parramatta into a modern, vibrant CBD and economic powerhouse as the capital of the Western Sydney region. Under my Lord Mayoralty, the CBD has been revitalised and now has Australia’s fastest growing night time economy. We are activating our river foreshore with new developments and tourist attractions and are engaged in work to develop the southern hemisphere’s largest biomedical research precinct at Westmead. I’m also proud we’re making Parramatta safer, healthier and better connected. We have upgraded closed-circuit TV in the CBD, my Healthy Generations program is encouraging healthier lifestyles for residents and workers of all ages and fitness levels, and we now offer free Wi-Fi internet across the CBD.