10. Planning in Greater Sydney – Parramatta City Case Study

The chapter addresses the extent Parramatta Council (herein referred to as Parramatta) is applying sustainable urban planning (SUP) practices (see Chap. 1) in planning the municipal area. The chapter acknowledges the Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016 proposed expanding the boundaries of Parramatta council noted in Chap. 2. Parramatta (in Greater Parramatta District) is one of twelve municipalities within three Greater Sydney Districts (Sydney Inner West, Greater Parramatta and St George), all considered to be in global transition (see Chap. 2). Examining SUP practices is based on the application of three key SUP principles (as adopted in Chap. 2), being: Developing Sustainable Urban Centers; Developing Sustainable Transport; and, Protecting the Natural Environment.

Firstly, a background to Parramatta development and population changes (e.g. global movement of population) is outlined. To examine the pattern of urban development, four phases of Parramatta development are examined: Early Parramatta; Traditional Parramatta; New Parramatta; and, Future Parramatta. Given conclusions reached here, key Parramatta Council planning documents are then critiqued to determine the extent Council applies SUP practices. In addition, given State planning of Greater Sydney affects Parramatta, a second question is posed: what is the impact of Greater Sydney planning and development on Parramatta? In examining this question, examples of State plans (including council amalgamations under the Proclamation noted above) likely to affect Parramatta are addressed. By chapter’s end, conclusions are drawn on Council planning and impact of Greater Sydney planning on Parramatta. The chapter notes that these conclusions will be addressed further in: Chap. 13 (examining the extent of SUP practices being applied over the whole of Greater Parramatta District); and, Chap. 18 (examining directions for planning a sustainable Greater Sydney or a sustainable city anywhere).