Parramatta’s “green spine” has received a $10.1 million boost, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledges to deliver more infrastructure to support homes across the state.
The Prime Minister was in town today, announcing in Parramatta Square that the Federal Government will make a major investment into the city’s Civic Link project.
Stretching from Parramatta Square to the Parramatta River, the activated pedestrian spine will connect four central city blocks.
The Federal Government said the funding will go towards Civic Block Three, which will deliver a new green space along Horwood Place and link new homes with public transport connections via rail, light rail and the future Sydney Metro West.
Welcoming the funding commitment, Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton said the Civic Link is a “really important project” for Parramatta’s future.
“With this investment from the Albanese Government, we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected Parramatta, a thriving hub where our families can grow, our businesses can prosper, and our communities can flourish,” he said.
“This is more than just infrastructure. It’s about building a city that reflects the ambition, resilience, and pride of the people who call it home.”
The Civic Link project is one of nine that will receive funding through the Federal Government’s Housing Support Program.
The investment will go towards enabling infrastructure works such as roads, sewage and water, and to support new homes with connections to transport links and public open spaces.
In Parramatta, the funding will help to unlock more than 14,700 homes.
“In addition to that – this is a part of today’s announcement – throughout NSW where we’re announcing $182 million as part of that Housing Support Program to unlock an additional 25,000 homes,” Albanese said.
“So, it’s not just a matter of the number, it’s a matter of the quality of life for people who live here and connecting up the light rail with heavy rail, with as well, the Metro West when it opens with this pedestrian corridor, will improve the lifestyle of all who live in Parramatta and all who come to Parramatta.”
Today’s announcement marks Albanese’s third visit to western Sydney in four days, as it gears up to be a key battleground ahead of the Federal Election later this year.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Clare O’Neil said the investment in infrastructure is necessary to help increase Australia’s housing.
“Our government is undertaking the biggest home building program in Australian history, because to help more people into their first home we need to build, build, build,” she said.
“These announcements might not be the sexiest, but if we want to drastically increase the number of homes we are building in Australia we need to invest in the pipes, sewage and roads that supports this.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.