Parramatta Council received earlier this week a $500,000 cheque from the Federal Minister for Tourism to fund tourism development in Parramatta.

The funding from Minister Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP will be used for the design and development of a series of tourism trails that connect key heritage sites across the city.

The Hon Julie Owens MP, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, Minister for Tourism and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council, Cr Lorraine Wearne

Visitors will learn the stories of Parramatta’s past through creative heritage interpretation and digital media products.

It will also go towards investigating the development of tourism products such as tours, events, and activities aimed at encouraging visitors to stay longer or revisit.

The Council will also work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to grow visitation.

“In granting this funding, the Federal Government acknowledges the vital role Parramatta plays in regional tourism development to support Sydney as a gateway to Greater Sydney and beyond” said the council’s Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Lorraine Wearne.

“Parramatta is a dynamic city with perhaps the largest collection of Australia’s colonial heritage sites.

“The city is also a thriving and growing business district with a vibrant contemporary culture, beautiful parklands, and a great mix of dining, entertainment, arts and cultural offerings,”

She added that the Council aimed to transform Parramatta into a must-see destination by 2025 with a greater aim of building a liveable and sustainable city.