1. Demographic and Locality Analysis

1.1Demographic Profile and Trends

To determine the degree to which current and future provision of public open space is serving the people of Parramatta, it is essential to understand the status of the LGA’s population and its demographic profile.

The Parramatta LGA has shown substantial residential growth in the last fifteen to twenty years. The population of the LGA as seen in the 1991 Census was 132,810, climbing 4.8% to 139,158 for the 1996 Census and climbing a further 3.8% to 144,490 in the 2001 Census. In the coming years, a number of major developments in the Parramatta LGA and adjoining areas may influence growth and corresponding public open space needs.

Parramatta CBD is Sydney’s second CBD, a major business hub of Sydney with 61,000 people working in the Parramatta Primary Centre in 1996. This working population is expected to increase by 50% to 90,000 by 2021 with the majority of the increase being in the CBD.

Developments outside the Parramatta LGA that may influence open space and other leisure needs include the continued development of Olympic Park and the proposed urban development on the Homebush Bay Peninsula, for which Parramatta will be the major CBD.

The following is a brief summary of the key findings of the Parramatta City Council Demographic Profile 2000, undertaken by Scott Carver Urban Planning. Summary statements are also taken from Council’s Social Plan 2001. Figures are based on the 1996 Census data. Analysis of the 2001 Census data has been included where stated.

1.1.1Population and Growth Trends

  • The overall LGA population growth rate was 6.4% between 1986 and 1996, mainly as a result of growth in the 25-54 age group which experienced an 18.5% increase
  • Compared to other parts of Sydney and western Sydney, Parramatta LGA has relatively low proportions of children (0-11 years old), young people (12-25 years old although not applying to young people of working age ie 20-25 years old) and older people (55+ years old)
  • The population growth rate has been accelerating but has slowed a little in the 5 years of 1996 to 2001. However, the population is currently predicted to grow by 34% between 1996 and 2020
  • 20-29 year olds make up the largest proportion of the population (17.2%)
  • The 70+ groups experienced strong growth between 1986 and 1996
  • The 60-69 age group experienced a negative growth rate (-13.9%) as also did the 10-19 age group (-14.3%, with –11.1% being between 1991-1996) in the period 1986-1996.

1.1.2Household Types

Families with children comprise the largest household type (over 54%) increasing by 21.4% between 1986-1996, suggesting an increasing significance of families with children.

  • Couples without children decreased markedly between 1986 and 1996 (-41%) and increased slightly between 1991 and 1996 (2%)
  • There has been almost a doubling in the number of one-parent families since 1986
  • There was a moderate decline in separate dwellings between 1986 and 1996 and a significant increase in multi unit housing
  • The mix of dwelling types is tending towards more multi unit and semi detached housing as compared with separate housing:
  • detached housing 66% in 1996, 62% in 2001
  • multi unit housing 23.2% in 1996, 27% in 2001
  • semi detached housing 8.2% in 1996, 10.8% in 2001.

1.1.3Birthplace and Language Spoken

  • Parramatta LGA has significant cultural diversity with 34.6% of Parramatta’s population born overseas (1996) and increasing to 43.9% in 2001.
  • 31.3% speak a language other than English (LOTE) at home, the major languages being Arabic (9.2%), Cantonese (4.1%) and Mandarin (1.6%). Korean, Turkish and Hindi are being spoken by increasing numbers of Parramatta’s residents.

1.1.4Profiles by Locality

Table 1 below shows the demographic variation between localities (1996 Census data). Key demographic features drawn from analysis of this table include:

  • Populations vary significantly between localities with larger populations found in localities 1, 2 and 3 and smaller populations found in localities 4 and 9
  • The highest numbers of children are found in locality 2 with couples with children dominating the population in this locality
  • Localities 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 have larger population of 20-29 years olds whilst localities 7, 8, and 9 are under represented
  • For ages over 50, locality 4 has the lowest number of residents aged 50-79
  • Localities 3 and 4 are areas with high proportions of multi-unit housing
  • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations are highest in Localities 3, 4, 5 and 6

Locality 1 – Winston Hills / Old Toongabbie/Northmead
  • 3rd largest population 17, 345
  • 20 - 29 large age group (16.8%)
  • 40 - 59 age group v. high (29%)
  • 50% households with children
  • Mostly detached dwellings (87%) (no flats over 2 storeys)
  • Birthplace: 80% Oceania or Europe

Locality 2 – Toongabbie/Wentworthville/Westmead
  • 2nd largest population. 20,409 (15.7%)
  • Highest number of children in Council 0-9 age range
  • 20 – 29 age range high
  • Couples with children dominate (83%)
  • 83% detached housing
  • Birthplace: 78% Oceania or Europe

Locality 3 – North Parramatta/Parramatta
  • Largest population in the CLGA 21,773 (15.6%)
  • 20 - 39 age dominates (43%) - much greater than LGA Average
  • Couples with children 24%
  • Residential flats dominate (59%)
  • Birthplace: 65% Oceania/Europe, 9% NE Asia

Locality 4 – Harris Park/Rosehill
  • Smallest population 7,571 (5.4%)
  • 20 - 49 age range high
  • 50 - 79 age range lower
  • High residential flats density - 1,2 and 3 storey
  • Birthplace: 45% Oceania/Europe, 13% Southern Asia, 9% Middle East, 9% NE Asia

Locality 5 – Clyde/Granville/Merrylands
  • 3rd smallest population 14,795
  • 20 -29 age range large + 30 - 39
  • 0 - 19 also high
  • 72% detached housing
  • Birthplace: 65% Oceania/Europe, 14% Middle East

Locality 6 – South Granville/Guildford
  • 4th largest population 16,121
  • Large age range 0 -9 + 10 - 19 = 31% of population
  • 40% couples with children
  • Detached housing dominant (57%)
  • Birthplace: 64% Asia, Oceania or Middle East

Locality 7 – Rydalmere/Ermington
  • Population 15,381
  • 20 - 29 age range under-represented
  • Even distribution couples/non-couples
  • 79% detached housing
  • Birthplace: 81% Oceania/Europe and 6% NE Asia

Locality 8 – Telopea/Carlingford/Dundas
  • Population 15,258
  • 20-29 age under-represented
  • Higher percentage 60 – 69 age range
  • 64% detached housing
  • Flats 23.8%
  • Birthplace: Oceania/Europe 79%, 6% NE Asia

Locality 9 – Epping/Eastwood
  • 2nd smallest population 9,705
  • 40 - 49 large age group (16%)
  • Low 20 – 29 age range
  • Even distribution household
  • 58.4% detached housing
  • Modern flats up to 3 storeys
  • Birthplace: 76% Oceania/Europe, 13% NE Asia

Table 1 Locality Comparison of Demographic Characteristics

(Source: Scott Carver Urban Planning 2000)

1.1.5Population Projections

The conclusions below have been drawn from the population projection analysis for the Parramatta LGA (Scott Carver Urban Planning 2000). It should be noted that the projections are based on anticipated development when the Parramatta LEP 2001 was in draft form in late 2000. Slight changes were made to development densities in the finalisation of the LEP in 2001 such that some caution should be attached to the figures.

  • About 26,580 additional occupied dwellings will be built in the Parramatta LGA between 1996 and 2020. This equates to between 1,107 and 2,316 average net additional occupied dwellings for each year between 1996 and 2020.

  • The Parramatta LGA will accommodate 48,050 additional residents between 1996 and 2020. This equates to between 2,011 and 4,456 average net additional residents for each year between 1996 and 2020. The increase in population will have an impact on open space demands and needs that need to be taken into account in future strategies. The proportion of the population in the 55 and over age group is expected to grow significantly compared to other age groups with a 45% growth rate predicted between 2000 and 2019.
  • As seen in Table 2, population increases are expected to be greatest in locality 8, especially north of Kissing Point Rd in Dundas Valley. Major proposed development sites in this locality include the theological college in Pennant Hills Rd, Oatlands and the Carlingford Village apartment site. Localities 7 and 9, also located towards the east of the LGA, are expected to experience strong growth. Major residential development sites include the Ermington naval stores and the Eastwood brickworks sites.
  • Locality 1 in the north west of the LGA is expected to show strong population growth, mostly limited to areas in Northmead and Old Toongabbie. Locality 2 is predicted to experience average population growth, concentrated in the Wentworthville area.
  • Localities 5 and 6, to the south of the LGA, are expected to incur average population increases. Within these localities, areas towards the south of locality 5 and the north and west of locality 6 are expected to experience the most intense residential development. Population increases are expected to be lowest in the central parts of the LGA in localities 3 and 4.

Population
Localities / 1996 / (2001) / 2020 / % Increase
1Winston Hills, Old Toongabbie, Northmead / 17,369 / 25,543 / +47%
2Toongabbie, Wentworthville, Westmead / 20,592 / 26,589 / +29%
3North Parramatta, Parramatta / 21,894 / 26,046 / +19%
4Harris Park, Rosehill / 7,627 / 7,627 / 0%
5Clyde, Granville, Merrylands / 14,853 / 19,085 / +28%
6South Granville, Guildford / 16,218 / 20,789 / +28%
7Rydalmere, Ermington / 15,500 / 22,957 / +48%
8Telopea, Carlingford, Dundas / 15,293 / 24,482 / +60%
9Eastwood, Epping / 9,812 / 14,093 / +47%
Total / 138,940 / 144,490 / 187,211 / + 34%

Table 2 Population Growth Projections by Locality

(Source: Scott Carver Urban Planning 2000 and 2001 Census)

1.2The Open Space System

This section describes the nature of open space in the Parramatta LGA and discusses the key issues that will affect future planning development and management. The status of open space amount and distribution is examined in relation to existing and forecasted population to determine current and likely equity of access across the LGA. Key facts and figures are:

  • The City has a total of approximately 827 Ha of public open space representing 13.8% of the City’s total land area (see Sections 2.1 and 2.2).
  • The comparison of public open space in Parramatta with that of other Councils of similar physical size in Western Sydney is generally favourable:
  • Parramatta LGA has 5.7 Ha of public open space per 1000 persons, dated 2001
  • Fairfield LGA has 2.8 Ha of public open space per 1000 persons, dated 1998
  • Bankstown LGA has 4.5 Ha of public open space per 1000 persons, dated 2000.

However, it should be noted that these LGAs do not possess a CBD or primary centre that attracts as many workers or is predicted to grow as strongly as with Parramatta. Workers are significant users of public open space and this consideration needs to be remembered when comparing open space amounts between LGAs and localities.

There are a total of 324 parks in the LGA that can be designated a hierachy of which:

  • 6 are ranked as Regional Parks (representing 251 Ha or 30% of the total open space area)
  • 36 are ranked as District Parks (representing 212 Ha or 26% of the total open space area)
  • The vast majority, 282 parks, are ranked as Local Parks (representing 365 Ha or 44% of the total open space area). Of these 282 Local Parks, 53 are very small parcels of open space, totalling 8.5 Ha in all.
  • The size and shape of parks has a strong bearing on a range of management and recreation opportunities for parks.
  • The topography of the LGA has allowed for extensive and linked linear parks along waterway corridors such as Ponds and Subiaco Creeks in the Dundas/Rydalmere area Toongabbie and Quarry Branch Creeks in the western LGA and Duck River in the LGA's south. As such, 81 parks form part of an open space corridor.
  • Many of the parks in the LGA are very small with 30% being less than 0.2 Ha in size. The minimum standard recommended by the planning section of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, is preferably 0.5 Ha for a local park.
  • 107 parks contain natural area features (e.g. waterways, foreshore, bushland)
  • 47 parks have cultural heritage features contained within the park area (e.g. European or Aboriginal heritage items).

1.2.1Open Space Distribution

The distribution of public open space within the LGA is a key access and equity issue for the community. The ability of the LGA’s residents to gain access to public open space within an easy walk from home may have a significant bearing on their sense of well-being and community belonging. For many, the presence of public open space within easy reach of home is an essential value in their daily lives. For others in the community, particularly young people and those originating from highly urbanised environments, the public domain of most value may be those areas not zoned as public open space, for example malls and shopping areas.

Parks may be assigned a hierarchy that reflects the level of facilities, service standards and size of the catchment that attracts users of the park (See Sections 2.2 and 2.3). Local Parks are generally small open space areas that are positioned and designed to attract residents living within a 0.5 km radius. District Parks are generally larger and attract visitors from surrounding suburbs and offer a more diverse range of activities. Regional Parks are large or unique areas that attract users from a metropolitan-wide catchment. Designation of a park as Local, District or Regional will determine planning and development factors such as:

  • Levels of development and infrastructure expected by the community
  • Service level standards, particularly relating to maintenance
  • Carrying capacity, that is, the ability to accommodate intensity of visitors
  • Flexibility to meet changing demands
  • Leasing, licensing and casual hiring requirements
  • Funding priorities

Figure 1 shows the amount of public open space per locality with the average amount of public open space per locality being 90 Ha. Figure 2 shows the number of parks per locality and for each locality, breaks down parks into
hierarchies.

Figure 1Locality Comparison of Public Open Space Amounts


Figure 2Locality Comparison of Park Hierarchies

Figures 1 and 2 both show disparities between localities in open space provision with the following features and characteristics:

  • Locality 1 contains a large number of very small parks concentrated mostly in the Winston Hills area. Much public open space is contained within corridors following creek lines.
  • Locality 2, in the Wentworthville/Pendle Hill area has a number of very small local parks but apart for the Toongabbie Creek corridor parks and Binalong Park, none are greater than 0.5ha with facilities of a district park standard
  • Locality 3 contains a significant amount of regional and district open space as Parramatta Park, Lake Parramatta Reserve and the North Parramatta Regional Sport Complex fall within this area. Overall this locality contains significantly more open space than the other localities
  • Locality 4 contains significantly less public open space than other localities (nine hectares). The majority of this Locality is an industrial area including Camellia and parts of Rosehill and Rydalmere. Harris Park north of the M4 motorway is not adequately provided with local parks
  • The amount of open space in Locality 5 is below average. Guildford/Merrylands/Granville, especially west of Woodville Road, is not adequately provided with local parks
  • Locality 6 contains a high proportion of district parks compared to other localities (except Locality 3) and includes significant open space along the Duck River corridor
  • Locality 7 contains an above average amount of open space compared to other localities including open space corridors along the Parramatta River and Ponds Subiaco Creek
  • Locality 8 contains a similar amount of open space as Locality 7. However Locality 8 is better provided with district parks compared with Locality 7. Open space corridors along Vineyard Creek and Ponds Subiaco Creek and their tributaries are significant in this locality
  • Locality 9 has the third lowest amount of open space across all localities. This Locality contains only 1 district park and lacks a local park in the area around Midson Road/Chelmsford Road in Epping/Eastwood. A number of parks are linked along Terrys Creek and its tributary.

1.2.2Relationship of Open Space to Population

Analysing the relationship of open space to current and future populations is critical in planning for adequate open space provision. Figure 3 compares the area of public open space with the current population and predicted future population for each locality. The average amount of public open space across the whole LGA is 5.7 Ha/1000 persons (2001). With forecast population growth, in 2020 it is predicted to be 4.4 Ha/1000 persons. The general standard for public open space provision is 2.83 Ha/1000 persons (Department of Planning 1992).

The ratios of public open space to population vary greatly from locality to locality and more specifically that:

  • Compared to the entire LGA, Locality 1 provides an average amount of public open space per person both now and in the future. The amount of open space per person provided in both 1996 and 2020 is considered to be above average with respect to the general standard for open space provision.
  • Locality 2 is under-provided with district parks in that it is the second most heavily populated locality, with the largest proportion of the LGA’s children whose recreational needs are particularly dependent on space in their ensuing teenage years. The amount of open space per person is below average for the LGA both in 1996 and 2020 and with respect to the general standard for 2020.
  • Locality 3 is well above the LGA average and general standard for open space provision both in 1996 and 2020. However, there are significant numbers of workers visiting the CBD and primary centre such that the general standard for open space provision may not be as relevant to this locality.
  • Locality 4 has the lowest ratio of public open space per person across the LGA with the situation similar in 1996 and as predicted for 2020. The provision of open space is below the general standard for open space provision both in 1996 and 2020.
  • Locality 5 contains the second lowest ratio of public open space per person across the LGA with the situation similar in 1996 and as predicted for 2020. The provision of open space is below the general standard for open space provision both in 1996 and 2020.
  • Locality 6 is above the LGA average and the general standard for open space provision in both 1996 and 2020.
  • Locality 7 is above the LGA average and the general standard for open space provision in both 1996 and with the strong population growth predicted up until 2020.
  • Locality 8 is above the LGA average and the general standard for open space provision in both 1996 and with the strong population growth predicted up until 2020.

  • In 1996, Locality 9 contained the fourth lowest ratio of public open space per person across the LGA. In 2020, it is predicted that Locality 9 will still contain the fourth lowest amount of open space per person compared with the other localities, however, provision will fall just below the general standard for open space provision.

Figure 3Ratio of Open Space to Current and Future Populations