PARRAMATTA - NEW SOUTH WALES

Stick a pin in the middle of a map of Sydney and you'll find Parramatta - Sydney's second-largest Central Business District (CBD) and a thriving cultural centre.

Approximately 24 kilometres from Sydney, Parramatta is located at the geographic and demographic heart of Australia's largest city and is the gateway to Western Sydney, a region experiencing phenomenal economic growth.

Western Sydney has a total output of over AU$48 billion (35% of Australia's total GDP), to which Parramatta contributes AU$10 billion. This growth is set to continue with the release of the Parramatta Regional Environmental Plan (REP) that will guide development over the next 20 years.

The history of the area began shortly after Captain Phillip arrived at Sydney Cove, sailing up the Parramatta River in search of land to grow crops that would save the new settlers from starvation. He found land at Rose Hill, later renamed Parramatta, and the survival of the colony was assured.

Parramatta soon became a booming commercial centre, a tradition it carries on today according to former Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Paul Garrard. Parramatta's local government population is 137,200. It is the regional centre for Greater Western Sydney's 1.3 million people.