THREAD: While the Powerhouse Museum's Ultimo site has been saved, heritage listed buildings in Parramatta are still under threat for demolition to build a second museum site along Parramatta River's shoreline. Here's why this is a problem. https://twitter.com/JodiMcKayMP/status/1279097055177084929

For anyone outside of Sydney, Parramatta is an important central hub about 30-40 mins from Sydney CBD. It's often considered the gateway to the Greater Western Sydney region & is known for its cultural diversity, food culture, & relative affordability.

As well as rich diversity & culture, Parramatta has a rich history from the time of the namesake Burramattagal people, to its use as the governor's residence & main agricultural centre for the early Port Jackson colonists, to the cultural & commercial hub of today.

With this history, Parramatta has had many historical buildings over the years, some being heritage listed. While many of Parramatta's citizens understand the need for development & infrastructure, they also fear losing these heritage sites. Their fears aren't unfounded.

The Berejiklian gov has already bulldozed The Royal Oak Hotel, one of Australia's longest running pubs, to make way for light rail despite heavy criticism and protest by residents. The rampant pro-developer cronyism we've seen in Sydney has manifested at its worst in Parramatta.

Because of its position as a Western Sydney hub, Parramatta is often ignored & (literally) bulldozed in ways wealthier parts of Sydney aren't. I won't go too much further here but this classism is reflected in some individual attitudes as well.

Which brings us to today. There are two major heritage sites that are threatened with demolition to make way for the Parramatta Powerhouse site, Willow Grove & St George's Terrace:

Willow Grove is an excellently preserved 1870s Italianate Gothic building which is a rare find in Western Sydney. St George's Terrace is the last terrace block of its particular architectural style in all of Sydney (& Australia AFAIK). These sites are irreplaceable.

The other major problem with the site that the Berejiklian gov has proposed is its position on the shoreline. This section of the river is prone to swelling and flooding during days of rain & often experiences extensive flooding. Yes, flooding.

The prohibitive maintenance costs of such a site alone should be enough to change the site but there's been no indication that will happen. After the structural failure disasters at Opal Tower & Mascot, this is especially egregious. The people of Parramatta deserve better.

We almost lost The Rocks in the 70s in much the same way. It was only thanks to the tireless work of the @CFMEU that saved them. Today the org has announced a green ban & intention to picket any attempts at demolition of these historical Parramatta sites.

Please, lobby the Berejiklian gov to stop this demolition, support the @CFMEU, the North Parramatta Residents' Action Group & the Parramatta Historical Society. Parramatta cannot afford to lose more history. Sydney would be a lesser place without it.