An innovative project to rehabilitate the previously polluted and unsightly Murray Gardens Creek in Parramatta Park will be opened by Tom Uren AO, Chairman of the Parramatta Park Trust, at a ceremony on Thursday 20 October 2005.

When: Thursday, 20th October
Time: 10.30 am
Where: Parramatta Park, entrance off Macquarie Street

The Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust, Parramatta City Council and the NSW Stormwater Trust funded the project.

Polluted stormwater from the Parramatta central business district used to discharge untreated into Murray Gardens Creek, spreading rubbish, oil and sediment along this small stream, which is close to O'Connell Street.

The project involved installing two net-type litter traps on the outlet of the pipes to prevent rubbish entering the creek, planting grasses and shrubs on the creek banks to filter the water, and building a timber deck and pergola over the litter traps to improve the area's amenity and access. A hatch in the deck allows easy access to the traps for maintenance. The deck is large enough for school groups visiting this historic and environmentally interesting corner of Parramatta Park.

Chris Levins, the Director of the Parramatta Park Trust, said:

"Parramatta Park is the largest area open space in Parramatta. Located on the edge of the Parramatta CDB, issues such as urban pollution need managing and special control.

The Murray Gardens Stormwater GPT and viewing platform is an important step in protecting the natural environment from stormwater-borne gross pollutants. This in turn will enhance the experience of visitors to the park. The viewing platform can be used for educational instruction about the importance of waterway management in urban environments."

Parramatta Park Trust Chairman, Tom Urens AO insects the new facility