Elizabeth Farm, Experiment Farm, and Hambledon Cottage are being assessed for inclusion on the National Heritage List.
This consideration follows a long campaign by Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton, who is running a petition to protect the heritage precinct and prevent a proposed development at 2A Gregory Place.
More than 9,000 locals and heritage advocates have signed the petition.
“This community never ceases to amaze me. This is our largest campaign to date – thousands of people have already signed because they understand what’s at stake,” he said.
“These sites are irreplaceable, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. The community has always fought for Parramatta’s heritage, and this level of support shows that fighting spirit is as strong as ever.”
In addition to protecting colonial sites, Charlton wants to save Our Lady of Lebanon (OLOL) Co-Cathedral’s skyline.
“What locals are telling me is that heritage here isn’t confined to four walls – it’s the landscape, the sightlines, the feeling of what Parramatta has always been,” he said.
“For the Maronite community, those skylines surrounding Australia’s largest Maronite cathedral are sacred.
“Parramatta is pulling its weight on housing; we have the highest number of housing approvals in NSW, and I’m proud of that. But growth without memory is not progress. Locals want to see Parramatta grow while staying true to its roots.”
Charlton is ensuring the protection of these sites remains a priority.
“The petition appeals directly to Federal Minister Murray Watt and the National Heritage Council to expedite the heritage listing,” he said.
“That’s where lasting protection can be secured, and we want to make sure the Minister and the Heritage Council hear, in no uncertain terms, how much this precinct means to the people of Parramatta.”
Deputy Chair of Parramatta Branch of National Trust Suzette Meade said that heritage advocacy is about more than saving buildings.
“Parramatta holds some of the most significant heritage in Australia, yet we continue to underestimate its potential as a cultural tourism powerhouse,” she said
“Cities worldwide invest in authentic heritage experiences because they drive local economies, create jobs, and attract long-stay visitors. I want to see western Sydney embrace that opportunity especially with WSI Airport opening later this year.”
The original plan for the Gregory Place development has been revised since initial backlash, now featuring 320 multi-storey dwellings reduced from 483 terraces and apartments.
“The plan is to transform … from an old factory site in a way that is sympathetic to its surroundings, and strengthens connections between community, faith and history,” the 2A Gregory Place website reads.
“Our aim is to not only preserve but to enhance the entire precinct through extensive consideration of the historical and cultural significance of the site, landscaping that complements and extends the existing parkland, numerous pedestrian boulevards that connect the area’s valued assets, and much greater open green space that will be accessible to everyone.”
The Australian Heritage Council will accept feedback on the precinct until June 26, and the final decision will be made by the Minister for Environment and Water.
Have your say online at https://bit.ly/parra-heritage.
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.