We the undersigned, respectfully ask City of Parramatta Council to withdrawn the Concept Plan and Re-exhibit an Alternate Precinct Solution for the State funded active-cycleway additions upstream of Marsden Weir to promote Sponge-City, Water Quality and Design for Country ecological leadership.

As residents, regional visitors, cyclists and tourists we ask Council to reject proposed riverbank modifications and bridge location to instead:

• Protect natural-functioning riverbank and native landmark trees
• Relocate new bridge to align beside Marsden St & respect views
• Rehabilitate the low flood-shoulder as wildlife habitat at OKS
• Design a Boardwalk fully above water, excluding concrete walls
• Create a Boardwalk link ramp as ecological & cultural city feature

We all want better cycleways upstream to connect the Rivercat Boardwalk, the future Riverside Theatres V.2, and pathways in World Heritage Parramatta Park. 

But this State Funded Council Project must not 'destroy' our unique river banks by blind-siding the City's heritage and ecological values on both sides of the river. The precinct between Bernie Banton (Marsden St) & Rings Bridge (O'Connell St) is highly significant. It deserves a more sensitive turtle & platypus-friendly, respectful alternate solution that actually Designs with Burramatta Country for a genuinely green-connected future.

• Draft Demolishes too many trees and landforms

The current $28M 'Western River Precinct Connections' Draft proposed by Council threatens to demolish 54 habitat trees that are vital for riverside local wildlife corridor. These landmark trees provide crucial & secluded habitat for various species, including small birds, which play an important role in maintaining the City's ecological diversity - as Council's Corporate Strategies claim, (for many years now).

• Concreting Riverbanks is not future-friendly

So far the expensive plan for extensive concrete walls and massive excavation would ERASE this area’s rich cultural history and natural beauty. It is imperative the Project delivers higher ecological value for the Big Budget, conserving the unique riverbank links into the CBD. Instead of massive earthworks a superior solution needs to elevate "non-concrete" boardwalks on the southside and to rehabilitate more carefully the northside. This would celebrate our natural assets while providing functional and scenic active-pathways connected to living heritage. 

• New Bridge design Mars the Marsdens Weir

Moreover, the draft location of a new cycle bridge causes this 'devastation', and instead it needs to be aligned with Marsden Street to offer unobstructed (open-sided) vistas upstream and of the heritage Weir. This would enhance the overall experience (especially child-height friendly views) while safeguarding the environment. 

• Concrete riverwall excavation is not water-quality or wildlife-friendly! 

We are ASKING City of Parramatta to rethink and redraft the Project. The new plan needs to protect, rehabilitate, restore and celebrate our city's historic riverbanks and natural beauty. By signing this petition, you champion a future where development harmonizes with nature, ensuring that our riverbanks remain a source of pride and ecological vitality for generations to come. 

• ALSO make sure to Submit and object directly HERE

This Precinct is loaded with historic significance that should not dismissed by heavy-handed civil-engineering. On both the Old Kings School's north-side and Jeffrey House's south-side evidence of natural riverbank diversity is photo-documented (c.1943).

• Why is sensitive 'Design for Country' excluded ...?

It is of great concern Council seems to have excluded a First Nations DESIGN for COUNTRY or even Ecological analysis as the very basis for any design "concept". With the Bayanami Public School adjacent the potential Educational values are Missing In Action. The Project needs a basis in Bush Regeneration, Habitat Protection and Ecological Restoration as essential, rather than side-lined, embracing Dharug knowledge of the Burramattagal people, Agricultural Society, Colonial & Cottage Hospital  and the Mid Century Modern era themes and landscape characteristics. 
For e.g. Instead of landfill this project needs to restore the Billabong-like waterfront beside the Old Kings School steps, extensive reed-beds and floating wetlands for water-quality above the Weir. (c.1870 & 1900 Photos)

Join this crucial movement to protect Parramatta's treasured surviving natural spaces. Sign this petition now to demand a sustainable and respectful alternative to the current infrastructure project. 
Parramatta City's wildlife will thank you.

Defend our Riverbank and expect a culturally and biodiverse revision.

• Link to ALL Objections & Alternate Solution HERE 
• Link to more detail Objection Diagram HERE
• Alternate Diagram for Aesthetic Functional & Ecological Solutions
• Link Riverbank Regeneration Precedent, Fleet St upstream
• Link Real Boardwalk (over Water) and Sponge City Policy
• Link Old Kings School Historic Riverbank precedent 1870
• Link Wildlife-friendly river-margins-AWOL in Council plan
• Link Native Tree Corridor at complete Risk, Jeffery House