Parramatta. Jim's back on board

Jim Bosnjak, former owner of the Parramatta-based Westbus transport company and deputy chairman of the West Sydney Razorbacks basketball team, which pulled out of the National Basketball League several years ago, is on the board of the Sydney Kings which will re-enter the competition in October.

Parramatta. Lobbying to continue

Parramatta City Council will continue it push for the completion of the Parramatta-Chatswood rail link. “The simple matter is that Parramatta and Western Sydney commuters need a direct connection to Macquarie Park and the lower North Shore jobs market. Despite the Government failing to deliver, yet again, Council will continue to lobby, until the Epping rail-link is back on the agenda,” said Lord Mayor Paul Garrard when commenting on no plans in the state budget to re-instate the rail-link or fund other vital sustainable transport options. Council has organised a transport forum in July with Parramatta and Western Sydney business leaders to discuss the long-term transport planning that is needed to deliver future transport infrastructure needs to support the planned growth.

Parramatta. Land and airspace to fund projects

Executive director, of the Transport and Tourism Forum, Brett Gale, said land around and above railway stations, such as Parramatta and St Leonards, would be a lucrative source of funds to pay for better public transport. In a submission to the Rees Government's 2031 Blueprint, the forum estimates the Government could fund more than $10 billion worth of mass transit projects, including heavy rail extensions and a metro network, by becoming developers or landlords.

Parramatta. Relocation of parking stations

Parramatta City Council’s comprehensive draft integrated transport plan for the Parramatta City Centre has a focus of moving away from the reliance of car use towards sustainable transport of walking, cycling and public transport. The draft includes investigating a) relocating long-stay commuter parking from the Horwood Place and Erby Place car parks to two new multi-storey car parks on the city periphery, near the arterial network and the Loop free bus route, and b) potential park & ride sites, including existing council car parks, at Fennel Street, North Parramatta, and Pine Street, in Rydalmere. The draft also includes cross-city bus services.