Designs for stage one of a new $27 million pedestrian path and cycleway alongside Parramatta’s Duck River have been given the green light.
Beginning at Silverwater Park, the 4.5 kilometre Duck River Nature Trail is a three-stage project designed to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists to the natural green corridor from Parramatta River to the shared path that follows the M4 Motorway.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Martin Zaiter said the project would promote active lifestyles along Duck River while retaining its natural beauty.
“The Duck River Nature Trail will provide pedestrians and cyclists the chance to experience the mangroves and saltmarsh of this outdoor sanctuary located in the heart of our community,” Lord Mayor Zaiter said.
“We have a vision to become an unrivalled river city renowned for its focus on sustainability and this will create a landmark connection in our area.
“Once completed, the nature trail will connect our very popular Parramatta River foreshore paths, where 2,000 people a day ride and walk, to areas outside our local area.”
The Lord Mayor said the stage one designs had been shaped by community feedback and updated in response to their concerns about management of open space, ecology, safety, shade and water bubblers.
The first stage will see improvements to access at Silverwater Park along the river, with separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, a new dedicated bike path under Silverwater Bridge, bicycle parking, additional seating, lighting, a water fountain and tree planting.
Stage Two will focus on improving safety and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists on the streets of Silverwater where the foreshore is inaccessible, while Stage Three includes plans for a new bridge over Duck Creek and foreshore paths on both sides.
The transformative project will be delivered over the next four years and includes:
On the western riverbank:
- Almost 1.5km of concrete paths and boardwalks next to Duck River.
- A new walking and cycling bridge.
On the eastern riverbank:
- 1km of pedestrian and cyclist paths along the streets of Silverwater with priority crossings, lighting upgrades and new street trees.
- More than 1.7km of boardwalk and concrete shared path along the river corridor and in Silverwater Park.
The $27 million project is being funded by the Council and the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants and Get Active NSW program. It is set to be opened in three stages between 2026 and 2028.
For more information and to view the interactive map for Stage 1 of the Duck River Nature Trail at Silverwater Park, visit Participate Parramatta.
