The people of Parramatta could be given the power to elect their own Lord Mayor, if Councillors choose to support it.
Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer has put forward a notice of motion, calling for Council to hold a constitutional referendum at this September’s Local Government Election to canvass voters on introducing a popularly elected Lord Mayor from September 2024.
Traditionally, City of Parramatta Councillors have selected their own Lord Mayor, which has seen a significant number of differing representatives in the position.
There are only four Lord Mayors in the State of NSW.
The City of Parramatta is the only of the four that does not popularly elect its Lord Mayor.
Cr Dwyer said it’s time for the residents of Parramatta to have their say about who they would like to support for the position.
“On the basis that in more recent times, we have been favourably compared with the City of Sydney Council, then I have a passionate view that it is time City of Parramatta also have a popularly elected Lord Mayor for a four year period,” he said
“I believe a popularly elected Lord Mayor in the City of Parramatta is required by September 2024 due to the ongoing growth of our city into a true major commercial city.
“We are already the Central River City, as designed by the State Government, to be Sydney’s second Central Business District.
“By September 2024 I will certainly not be a City of Parramatta Councillor, hence my thoughts are merely about the future of the City of Parramatta.”
Other western Sydney Councils with a popularly elected Mayor include The Hills Shire and Fairfield City Councils.
Earlier this year a Penrith City Councillor similarly attempted to put forward a motion calling for a constitutional referendum, however it was defeated.
Cr Dwyer said he appreciated most of his Councillor colleagues do not intend to support his motion, however he believes if a constitutional referendum is deferred, it will be “too late” for the City of Parramatta.
“We need to think about the future; if this isn’t supported it won’t be until 2028 that we can revisit this again,” he said.
This year’s Local Government Election will be held on September 4.
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.