MEDIA RELEASE: $6.2 MILLION FOR PARRAMATTA BIKE LINKS AND REVEGETATION

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $6.2 million in Parramatta to improve access for cyclists and pedestrians along the Parramatta River and also undertake revegetation works on the Parramatta River along these shared paths.

 

This election is a choice between Labor’s commitment to clean up our rivers, oceans and waterways or more cuts and chaos under the Liberals.

 

Labor’s investment would provide the missing links between the Queens Wharf Reserve, Parramatta and Finlaysons Creek, Wentworthville, making it easier for locals, cyclists and visitors to enjoy Parramatta’s great outdoor lifestyle; while improving public amenities and safety at the same time.

 

$5.2 million in funding would be sourced from Labor’s $260 million National Bike Paths Strategy and $1 million from Labor’s $200 million Urban Rivers Fund.

 

This would complement the City of Parramatta Council’s substantial commitment to invest in its bike plan and will include:

  • A new river level connection between Rangihou Reserve and Charles Street Weir with pedestrian connections to Macarthur Street and Stewart Street.

  • A new and upgraded shared path along the southern foreshore between Gasworks Bridge and Alfred Street to connect to the proposed new pedestrian and cyclist bridge.

  • The design of new walking and cycling paths from Mons Road to Parramatta Park along Toongabbie Creek.

  • A new shared path between Darcy Road and Mons Road along Toongabbie Creek.

  • An extension of the shared path along Finlaysons Creek between Darcy Road and Wentworth Avenue.

  • Extensive revegetation works along the path network.

These projects have already been identified by the City of Parramatta Council as priorities and a Shorten Labor Government would ensure they are delivered.

 

Today’s announcement also reflects Labor’s commitment to ensuring our cities are productive, sustainable and liveable and our urban rivers are treated like rivers rather than storm water drains.

 

Labor looks forward to working with the community and the City of Parramatta Council to ensure the region has the world-class shared pathway network it deserves.

 

THURSDAY, 2 MAY 2019

Tony Burke