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Are we becoming less tolerant of each other…. ...or is diversity becoming an accepted part of society?
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Can we survive the drought by using less water and recycling more... …or will technology such as desalination come to the rescue?
- Will it ever be possible to create a ‘sustainable’ Parramatta... ...or do we have to accept that this is a fantasy
Once we determined the current context to Parramatta, the next step was to examine where Parramatta is headed if current trends and activities continue.
Directions Paper
In order to begin to answer this question a Directions Paper was prepared. The purpose of this document was to challenge our assumptions, our values and ideals.
Summit
A 2 day Summit that included forums, discussions and a visioning process to refine the directions for Parramatta, was used to assist us to begin to answer the question – ‘where are we going’.
Other Events
In addition to the summit targeted events were held around Parramatta. The purpose of these events was to explore the many and varied points of view on the future of Parramatta and included key stakeholder meetings, formal meetings and workshops.
Social, Environmental and Economic Strategies
From the consultations, Social, Environmental and Economic Strategies have been developed to assist Council, partners and the community of Parramatta to identify what is required to develop a more sustainable Parramatta. The ‘triple bottom line’ approach is considered the most appropriate way to ensure a balanced approach to the future.
The Strategies outline the desired future, and provides a description of what that destination might look like for each of the different issues as well as list the strategies required in order to get there.
Directions paper
Now is the time that to ask ourselves: Can we continue to live, consume and travel in the same ways?
There may be conflict. There may be disagreement. There will be some shared ideas. If we work together there will be hope.
This 
Future Directions document was prepared to open debate on Parramatta’s response to the challenges it faces. It was developed through exploring the key information.
It was part of a process of dreaming of a future for Parramatta and developing ways of achieving this dream. It was prepared to encourage you to think about these issues. To challenge yourself and to challenge us.
Directions Paper
Summit
Day One
Day 1 was an invitation only summit for key stakeholders. This event allowed Council’s strategic partners and community members to interact and share there inspiration and aspirations for the Dreaming Parramatta process.
Day Two
Day 2 was an open summit. It was incorporated into a forum and visioning process for community members and stakeholders. This explores what Parramatta will be like in the future if it stays on its current course (a probable scenario) and possible scenarios that reflect different assumptions about how current trends will unfold.
It explored:
- the driving forces that are outside our control
- the uncertainties facing us over the next 20 years. For example, the speed of economic growth, the impact of technology and the impact of population growth.
Outcomes from the Summit
A number of questions were asked of participants at each forum to gain a clear understanding about their priorities and vision for Parramatta. Some of the unique qualities and strengths that people identified in Parramatta included heritage and history, central location and the natural environment. Some of the areas of concerns were housing, population and transport. To find out more detail about the outcomes from the summit please click here.
Presentations from the Summit
Strategies
The social, environmental and economic strategies detail:
- A vision for the environment, social or economic area
- A list of issues to be addressed to achieve the vision
- Desired destination for each theme
- Strategies to achieve the destination
Parramatta First – The Leading City at the Heart of Sydney |
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OUR ENVIRONMENTAL VISION: |
OUR COMMUNITY VISION: |
OUR ECONOMIC VISION: |
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A City with a healthy natural environment. We can relax and enjoy fresh air, clean water, healthy bushland and a diversity of native plants and animals. Our neighborhoods and places we work and live are designed and built using sustainable principles We can be safe in the knowledge that our activities have minimal impact on our local and global environment. We can proudly say that Parramatta is our home, and are pleased to hand this legacy on to our future generations. |
A dynamic, inclusive place which fosters opportunities and partnerships to support and connect our diverse communities.  |
A City of enterprise, innovation and creativity that has interwoven its physical, economic and social accessibility to place it as a vibrant leading city, a city of firsts. It will build on its diverse histories to ensure long term sustainability for future generations. |
To download a copy of the individual strategies click below:
Parramatta Twenty25 explores the conflicts and synergies between the Wellbeing Strategies and resulting possible futures. This was used to develop a shared vision for Council, the community and our Partners.
