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Proposal to change Harris Park-Parramatta boundaries re-emerges at council

A debate about shrinking the size of an already-small suburb so it falls under Parramatta has resurfaced – as objectors say only developers will reap the multimillion dollar benefits.

Harris Park is a small suburb that could shed more streets to Parramatta under a fresh
Harris Park is a small suburb that could shed more streets to Parramatta under a fresh

A debate about changing boundaries in Harris Park so part of it falls under Parramatta has flared up again, with objectors saying only developers will reap the multimillion dollar benefits.

This was despite Parramatta Council in June refusing development group Aland’s proposal to alter boundaries so its apartment complex Paramount on Parkes would fall under Parramatta – which could potentially drive up property prices by $30m.

For several years, Aland has wanted to adjust boundaries so properties north of Parkes St, Harris Park, would fall under Parramatta.

At the council meeting on Monday night, Our Local Community councillor Michelle Garrard proposed a separate plan that she said would make the boundaries neat and compact.

Under her proposal, properties north of Parkes St between Station St East and Harris St would become part of Parramatta.

Properties south of Hassall St between Gregory Place and Alfred streets would become Harris Park.

“What we’re trying to do here is make it a clearer boundary,’’ she said.

The Paramount on Parkes apartment development at Harris Park.
The Paramount on Parkes apartment development at Harris Park.
Harris Park is already a tiny suburb of 65 hectares.
Harris Park is already a tiny suburb of 65 hectares.

She said the proposal would impact less than 179 dwellings and would align with Google Maps searches.

“Harris Park is not losing out here,’’ she said.

But opponents argue that it downplays the status of Harris Park, which is 65 hectares – significantly less than the Geographic Names Board’s minimum size of 100 hectares for urban areas.

“For me, any reduction to the size of Harris Park plays into trying to downplay the importance of the area, (and) plays into the perceived negative stereotype of it not being as valuable (as Parramatta),’’ independent councillor Kellie Darley said.

She said Harris Park - which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May - was being promoted internationally as Little India and did not want other suburbs that had “wonky boundaries” – such as parts of Telopea – bidding to become part of affluent Oatlands.

“Now Harris Park is already a small suburb and I’m worried about the precedent this is going to set,’’ she said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Cameron Maclean said the plan already failed to comply with the GNB and urged the council against shrinking Harris Park.

“To reduce the suburb by any degree is erroneous,’’ the Labor councillor said.

The council agreed to consult the community on the proposed Harris Park adjustment before determining whether to take it to the Geographical Names Board.

The consultation will begin before Christmas and a report is expected to return to the council in February.

The council can only make a recommendation to the names board, which will ultimately determine the proposal.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/proposal-to-change-harris-parkparramatta-boundaries-reemerges-at-council/news-story/a4f2a36985bc5056da7b7d750da7f76d