The days of finding syringes and shopping trolleys along the banks of Parramatta River are soon to be numbered thanks to Parramatta MP, Tanya Gadiel and the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust.

As a result of discussion between the Member for Parramatta, the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and Parramatta City Council, the banks on the northern side of the river between O'Connell and Marsden St's have been cleared of weeds, and had tons of rubbish removed from the site.

The plans for the recovery of the site include an initial $6,000 dollar face-lift from the Trust working with council to remove weeds, syringes and other rubbish to make the site both safe and accessible.

Dr Stephen Lees, Executive Officer of the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust said, "The recovery of this site is a very important initiative. It will create a really great and safe public area that anyone in Parramatta will be able to enjoy. It will ensure that the area is no longer a dumping site and will allow everyone to interact with the river. The Trust is really pleased to be involved in this project".

A machine known as 'the spider', which chews into plants and trees to remove them quickly, is one of the first tools being used to return the badly degraded site back into a public amenity. The recent works have uncovered an old stand of Poplars beneath all the weed, which will be a feature of the new site.

Once finished the site between the O'Connell and Marsden St bridges will from a recreational site and a direct pedestrian link between the CBD and Parramatta Park, as well as Parramatta Stadium and Parramatta Pools.

Further plans include a $6,000 a year maintenance plan by the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust who will engage a Landcare group from the Periodic Detention Centre at Silverwater to ensure the site is well looked after.

The clearing works have uncovered more then just future recreational space. What looks to be a staircase leading from the Old Hospital down to the riverbank as well as an old furnace has been found.