Living in the city of Parramatta, everything feels like a constant tussle between old and new. The sound of drills, chainsaws and cement trucks, set against trees that have stood tall for centuries. Sewage flows into rivers and creeks that have swirled since the dawn of time.
Before our eyes, the new Powerhouse Parramatta rises, obliterating memories of the stately villa that preceded it. Metro lines and track tracks gradually replace a creaking heavy rail system that requires constant maintenance every other weekend.
The population is constantly churning too, as new migrants, students and arrivals from across Sydney pour into the apartments and other short-term rentals hemming both the city and its suburban fringes. Tucked away, almost forgotten at times, are the long-standing residents. People who remember exactly what they were doing when news of the Granville rail disaster hit. Eels fans who still revel in the 1983 Grand Final win and making merry afterwards at the Royal Oak Hotel.
Our city has a dual identity. Between the gleaming skyline seemingly wanting to stretch into the heavens – and the rows of cottages, bungalows and respectable brick homes with neat hedges that are firmly tethered to the earth below.
On the one hand, you have the chaos of Pennant Hills Road and Great Western Highway, funnelling cars onto futuristic motorways rivalling Germany’s autobahns or anything you might see in downtown Los Angeles. But then the narrow, undulating streets in areas like Dundas Valley and Constitution Hill, where home-owners might have a flag in the frontyard, a cherished collection of garden gnomes or old car that they’re tinkering with in the driveway.
Parramatta is a place filled with old suburbs and long traditions. And that’s easy to forget when the emphasis is always on what’s glitzy and new. These contradictions can create conflict. For example, to many people, the creation of the Little India precinct in Harris Park with the imprimatur of Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi feels like a no-brainer, elevating the suburb into a major tourist attraction.
Yet an old-stager I know in the area always predicted that established residents would become disgruntled by the traffic, noise and congestion caused by the influx of buzz and visitors – and so it has come to pass.
The next flashpoint is likely to be the decision by the NSW Government to commence discussions with the Australian Turf Club on relocating Rosehill Racecourse to create a ‘mini-city’ – complete with new Metro stop.
There is a storied history of racing in our region that brings nostalgia and affection for many. Opened in April 1885, it was the course where a gelding named Phar Lap first laid claim to fame. More recently, Winx blew away all opposition to win four Group 1 George Ryder Stakes. The Golden Slipper has become a calendar mainstay.
As a place for Australians of all walks of life to meet, have a flutter and down a pint, the legacy of this course can never be forgotten. That said, opponents of the move need to accept this is not a case of compulsory acquisition. There cannot be a buyer without a willing seller – and it is the Australian Turf Club that believes that consolidating its footprint around Warwick Farm and Randwick is the best way forward for the industry.
From the perspective of urban planners, locating new housing close to an already-densifying city makes sense. However, the concerns of long-time residents about strains on local infrastructure should also be heard and respected. As petitions are circulated and people talk to their neighbours, this is sure to be an unfolding story in the weeks and months ahead.
There shouldn’t need to be a divide between old and new Parramatta. A good example of people coming together every year is Australia Day. It’s an occasion where residents – no matter how long you’ve lived here – throw backyard barbeques or play cricket on the street. And newly sworn-in citizens beam with pride at official ceremonies.
Amidst the stress of everyday life, I hope more recent arrivals will take the time to appreciate what we have. I’ve always felt it absolutely critical that we retain respect for our history and heritage in Parramatta. Great cities cherish their past, even as they embrace new innovations and welcome the future. Every member of the community should have an understanding that this is a special place.
Alan is a journalist and communications specialist. He writes a weekly column for Parra News.