Parramatta has adopted a new 10-year heritage strategy that will guide the protection and promotion of the city’s historical places, stories and cultural traditions, with a stronger focus on First Nations history and community engagement.
The Integrated Heritage Strategy was endorsed by the City of Parramatta Council as part of its long-term approach to heritage planning. The strategy aims to preserve places of historical and cultural value while making local heritage more accessible through education, public events, walking and cycling trails, interpretation projects and partnerships with community organisations.
Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the strategy reflects the role heritage plays in connecting people to the city’s past.
“Our heritage connects us to the people, places and cultures that have shaped Parramatta and helps ensure those stories continue to be told for future generations,” Cr Zaiter said.
“As one of Australia’s oldest cities, it’s important we have a clear roadmap for preserving Parramatta’s heritage while creating opportunities for people to learn about our shared history.”
The strategy received strong community support during consultation, according to the council.
Parramatta is one of Australia’s earliest European settlements and contains sites of Aboriginal, colonial and multicultural heritage. The council said the strategy recognises that heritage extends beyond historic buildings to include traditions, memories, cultural practices and local stories.
The document forms part of the council’s Comprehensive Heritage Review Program, which will include future studies of local history, Aboriginal heritage, archaeology, heritage items and heritage conservation areas.
The strategy outlines actions over the next decade aimed at improving public awareness of heritage and encouraging greater participation in heritage activities across the local government area.
Councils across New South Wales have increasingly updated heritage policies in response to population growth, urban renewal and the need to better recognise Aboriginal cultural heritage. Heritage strategies typically seek to balance conservation with development pressures, although heritage planning can at times generate debate over property rights, planning controls and the costs associated with conservation.
The City of Parramatta said the strategy is intended to provide a framework for preserving the city’s heritage while helping residents and visitors better understand its historical and cultural development.
Further information about the Integrated Heritage Strategy is available through Participate Parramatta.
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