Liverpool’s regional city role will be built around the Georges River, which flows a stone’s throw from the Liverpool CBD.
Walking and cycling facilities to connect the river to both the central business district as well as the residential areas to its east will form part of the new strategy.
It follows formal confirmation Liverpool, along with Penrith and Campbelltown, will join Parramatta and Sydney City as the five major regional cities of the metropolitan area.
But unlike Campbelltown, where the Georges River flows a substantial distance away from major retail centres such as Macarthur Square and Queen Street, Liverpool will easily be able to harness the ancient waterway to enhance its regional city status.
Liverpool mayor Ned Mannoun outlined a Georges River strategy at council’s last meeting of the year last week.
“This week the [State] Government announced its new metropolitan strategy, A Plan for Growing Sydney, and Liverpool’s important role in Sydney’s future is being recognised through its status as one of the three regional centres in Sydney,’’ he said.
“The government has identified key priorities for Liverpool to be a commercial centre for Sydney, with strong growth in offices, retail, services and housing.
“In addition it will support health-related land uses, infrastructure and conference facilities.
“Importantly, and a watershed for Liverpool, it is to be a regional centre oriented around the
beautiful Georges River, and I welcome the government taking on board our city’s vision.’’
Three of the NSW Government’s priorities for Liverpool include:
‐ Work with council to improve walking and cycling connections to Liverpool train station from east of the train line.
‐ Work with council to improve walking and cycling connections between Liverpool and the Georges River.
‐ Work with council to investigate potential future uses of land located east of Georges River and north of Newbridge Road.
“Just as Parramatta did on its investigations into light rail, we ought to take the initiative to accelerate collaboration with the NSW Government to ensure that Liverpool gets support in becoming a strong regional centre where people can live, work and play,’’ Cr Mannoun said.
“We are fortunate to have a strong foundation: a readily available river connection on the pylons to the station and Lighthorse Park, and existing pathways that can be completed.
“We cannot properly activate the river, provide connectivity to Liverpool station, or grow our
city to the east of the Georges River without improved walking and cycling access.
“We must plan around walking, cycling, and public transport to ensure that we protect our local amenity
as we grow.
“To that end the key connections for the city on the River should be made shovel-ready.’’
Very good Mr Mayor and the team, after all these years we are starting to see the City Of Liverpool take on Parramatta to be noticed by everyone. Lets all see Liverpool put on the Australian and world map it deserves, it’s about time, people watch channel 7 this Monday night’s news outline this article and my following comments.