Feature - Catchment Cycleway
In this issue we have a closer look at the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Cycleway, which is a proposal to develop a cycleway from the Parramatta CBD travelling along the tributaries of the Upper Parramatta river to link a range of outlying areas by off-road routes. It would link into a range of other existing cycleways enabling provision of significantly improved cycle access within Western Sydney.
The proposal details the significance of Parramatta Regional Park as a hub for cycling networks in the Western Sydney area and seeks to develop this status into a world-class recreational facility. It also seeks to improve both cycle and pedestrian access to Parramatta Regional Park and Parramatta CBD. It could also improve tourist facilities and links to historic sites. It would provide a great link for people to cycle from the Hills area to either Westmead or Parramatta stations and catch the train there to the city.
The proposed cycleway fulfils the aims of the Parramatta Regional Environment Plan regarding access and promoting cultural and historical identity.
Proposal Presented
A copy of the Upper Parramatta River Cycleway proposal report prepared by CAMWEST dated March 2000 has been forwarded to Godden Mackay Logan, the consultants working on the public consultation concerning the future use of the North Parramatta Government Precinct, which takes in Parramatta Gaol, Cumberland Hospital and surrounding sites.
Download proposal (Word, 55k)
Cycleway Map (JPEG, 85k)
Coke comes to the Party?
The Sydney Morning Herald carried an article on 13/1/01 under the heading "Up the creek with Coke - a new breed of citizen" which described plans by Coca Cola Northmead to spend $100,000 over 3 years on an environmental improvement program for Toongabbie Creek which runs behind their plant between Redbank Road and Briens Road. The work will include removing noxious plants, replanting native species and "a walking track connecting the upper areas of the creek with the Parramatta river will be restored". After talks with Coca-Cola Amatil on how this fits in with our proposal, we were disappointed to learn a cycleway was not being considered at the moment. We hope they'll come to the party in the future.
Consultation
CAMWEST has consulted with many groups regarding this proposal, including:
- Parramatta City Council,
- Baulkham Hills Shire Council,
- the Department of Public Works & Services,
- Roads & Traffic Authority,
- Western Sydney Area Health Service,
- Parramatta Regional Park Trust and
- WhaT (Winston Hills and Toongabbie bushcare group).
What Should Be Done
- Let's build it! This cycleway is an important link to Parramatta, Sydney's second CBD, so it needs to be implemented as a priority.
- Install more bike lockers at Westmead and Parramatta train stations to provide easier access to transport for people living near the cycleway.
- Build good on-road cycle facilities to Westmead station.
What you can do:
Write to the Minister for Transport, The Hon. Carl Scully, Parramatta Federal MP, The Hon. Ross Cameron, as well as your local councillors. Ask them to accelerate the implementation of this link.
Read More:
- CAMWEST - Catchment Cycleway Project Page
- CAMWEST - Riding to Work
- RailTrails Advocacy Group
- Archive of CAMWEST feature articles
Your Thoughts
So what do you think? Do you live in the Hills area and would you like an off-road link to Parramatta? Let us know at cycling (AT) camwest.org.au, and we'll publish your thoughts. Join our mailing lists.
