A proposal for an 80-kilometre footpath stretching from the Parramatta River all the way to the Sydney Opera House has been received by the State Government, with NSW Treasurer Domonic Perrottet stating he “loves it”.
The idea was put forward by the McKell Institute as a way to stimulate the economy through the COVID-19 recession.
It is projected between 1645 and 3145 new jobs would be created over the lifetime of the project, bringing about $150 million in localised economic activity per year to the project area.
But this economic return doesn’t come cheap, with the path’s projected price tag ranging between $200 million and $300 million.
McKell Institute CEO Sam Crosby said the project would deliver three key benefits to Sydneysiders including job creation and health benefits as well as furthering the city’s reputation as a global tourist destination.
“Sydney’s unique geography is among its best assets but it’s Harbour and Parramatta River foreshore is often underutilised,” he said.
“The proposed Opera House to Parramatta Pathway seeks to address that, capitalising on Sydney’s natural advantages to deliver improved tourism and active transport infrastructure for Sydney’s visitors and residents.”
The proposal is set out in stages.
Phase 1, 2 and 3 would see the construction of two waterfront routes in Rozelle Bay and Canada Bay as well as the connection of these pathways to the Homebush Bay Circuit.
Phase 4 would see the full pathway completion, providing pedestrian and cycling access from the Opera House to Parramatta.
Once completed, the path would be Australia’s longest unbroken foreshore pathway.
During a press conference earlier today, Mr Perrottet confirmed he had received the plans and told journalists he loved the idea.
The report does, however, note the challenges it would face, as the pathway would require access to private land where homes have waterfront access.
Parramatta currently has a 65km Great West Walk that stretches from the CBD at the Parramatta River to the foot of the Blue Mountains in Emu Plains.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.