The Parramatta Branch of the National Trust (NSW) is calling for support from members and people concerned for heritage in Parramatta to attend an Extraordinary General Meeting at Parramatta Town Hall on Wednesday 20 November.
The meeting will be held only a day after the funeral service of National Trust (NSW) President, Brian Powyer, who died suddenly one week ago.
Brian Powyer had been a member of the National Trust for 30 years and was passionately committed to protecting, sharing knowledge about and celebrating the heritage of Parramatta and Western Sydney. Throughout 2019, Brian Powyer attended the City of Parramatta Council’s Local Planning Panel and Council Meetings to oppose high rise developments on two sites in the North Parramatta area and voice the National Trust’s opposition to ‘spot rezoning’ land directly adjacent to heritage listed buildings and the Sorrell Street Heritage Conservation Area
In the past month, a Draft Parramatta CDB Planning Proposal has been tabled that looks to extend the Parramatta Central Business District to include the Heritage Conservation Areas in North and South Parramatta despite recommendations to the contrary by the State Government. The Council has also increased its population target quota by 18,000 people to defend this encroachment into heritage areas.
What this means is that developers can erect high rise towers that will destroy the settings, overshadow and loom over heritage buildings in Parramatta.
The City of Parramatta’s website states it: ‘is committed to managing and preserving the objects, artefacts, structures, spaces and practices which are of historical significance to the community and enduring value to future generations’.
Details of the Extraordinary General Meeting:
Date: Wednesday 20 November
Time: 7pm
Location: Parramatta Town Hall
Cheryl Bates, President of the National Trust (NSW) Parramatta Branch, is available for comment.
Media contact:
Lyndal Stuart
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: (02) 9258 0113
Email: lstuart@nationaltrust.com.au
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About the National Trust (NSW):
The National Trust is Australia’s oldest and largest independent conservation organisation founded in 1945 in New South Wales by Annie Forsyth Wyatt. Collectively the National Trust in Australia owns or manages more than 300 built and natural heritage places (the majority held in perpetuity), is supported by 7,000 volunteers and employs more than 300 people nationwide.
The National Trust (NSW) is committed to engaging the community to celebrate and conserve heritage places and collections through events and education. With the support of our members, volunteers and dedicated staff and partners, we advocate on the protection of historical and naturally significant places and collections to ensure their preservation for future generations.
