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| Cameron MacLean: Building a Global Parramatta Where People Love |
Cameron MacLean, the Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council
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Cameron MacLean: Building a Global Parramatta Where People Love to Live
“Parramatta is rapidly becoming a global city, but it is still your neighbourhood as well.”
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“We must ensure that parks, trees and community facilities keep pace with development.”
27/10/2026
Sydney – Middle East Times Int’l: Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Cameron MacLean has outlined his ambition to combine the city’s growing international profile with thriving neighbourhoods, ensuring that economic development delivers a better quality of life for residents.
In an interview with Middle East Times Int’l, MacLean discussed his introduction to local government, Parramatta’s transformation, heritage protection, investment in cultural facilities, parking costs and public transport connections.
Raised in Epping and first elected to Council in 2021 while a university student, he said a community campaign to save the local swimming pool helped shape his interest in public service. Now, as Lord Mayor, his priorities include ensuring that green spaces, recreation facilities and neighbourhood improvements keep pace with the city’s growth. The editing story is below:
MET: Could you briefly share your background with our readers and explain what inspired you to enter local government?
Lord Mayor: I grew up in Epping and have lived there all my life. I have been interested in politics from a young age.
During my teenage years, there was a significant community campaign to save Epping Pool and keep it open. I saw how much could be achieved when residents and the community came together, and that stayed with me.
In 2021, while I was a university student, I had the opportunity to stand for election to the City of Parramatta Council. I did not really expect to be elected, but I became a councillor.
It was a steep learning curve, but I have found the experience increasingly fulfilling. What matters most is the community I represent and being able to advocate for residents.
MET: What does your election as Lord Mayor mean to you personally, and what are your immediate priorities?
Lord Mayor: It is a great honour. When I first stood in 2021, I never imagined that I would eventually become Lord Mayor.
I am grateful to my fellow councillors for their confidence in me. I have two years in the role, and I intend to achieve a great deal.
Parramatta is rapidly becoming a global city, but it is still your neighbourhood as well. We must continue its economic development while ensuring that people love living here. Quality of life across our local government area is an important priority for me.
MET: How would you describe Parramatta today compared with previous decades? What are its most notable achievements, and what challenges remain?
Lord Mayor: Parramatta has undergone an incredible transformation, from a suburban centre into an emerging global city. The pace of change over the past decade has been remarkable.
New infrastructure, transport connections and developments such as Parramatta Square, alongside Western Sydney University and the businesses established here, have changed the city.
People who have not visited for several years often cannot believe the transformation.
The change also includes major cultural assets. Powerhouse Parramatta is opening next month, and it is incredible that Western Sydney will have an institution like this. It is a significant addition to Parramatta.
The continuing challenge is to ensure that Parramatta remains somewhere people want to live. That means providing appropriate green space and recreation areas and making neighbourhoods enjoyable.
We are building a city with impressive infrastructure, but it must also be a place residents feel excited about calling home. If I had to describe Parramatta in one word, it would be “energetic”.
MET: How will you balance new urban development with the need to protect Parramatta’s heritage, improve public spaces and maintain residents’ quality of life?
Lord Mayor: Parramatta has extraordinary historical significance. Outside Sydney Cove, it is one of Australia’s most important early colonial settlements, with a rich agricultural history and remarkable heritage places, including the Female Factory.
We need to help people understand that history. When people understand their city’s heritage, they appreciate it more.
At the same time, we must maintain the balance between development and liveability. Parks, trees, recreation areas and community facilities need to keep pace with growth.
Making sure people enjoy living here must remain central to the city’s development.
MET: Which key projects does Council intend to initiate or accelerate in the near future, and when can residents expect tangible results?
Lord Mayor: I would highlight the redevelopment of Riverside Theatres, which is such an important cultural asset for Parramatta.
Council, in partnership with the NSW Government, has ambitious plans that include a full-scale lyric theatre. The redevelopment will give audiences greater opportunities to experience major shows, musicals and plays here in Parramatta.
That investment in cultural infrastructure is particularly important.
We are also progressing concept planning for South Parramatta, south of the railway line. Many people recognise that the area has considerable potential and that more could be done there.
The aim is to make it a livelier, more engaging place.
MET: Residents, business owners and visitors frequently raise concerns about the availability and cost of parking. How is Council responding?
Lord Mayor: Council has reduced parking charges at its multi-storey car parks in central Parramatta to encourage people to visit.
That was a deliberate decision. There is little benefit in having multi-storey car parks that are underused.
We want our parking prices to encourage visitation and support local businesses and restaurants. |
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