As I told the newsroom this week,this move is a logical extension of our recent enhanced coverage of the issues and developments playing out in western Sydney. However,we can no longer adequately cover a thriving part of the city from offices in North Sydney. Parramatta is the geographical heart of Sydney,but we don’t have a presence there. This strategy will also allow us to better reflect the diversity of our city.

Parramatta is booming,and the potential for theHerald and our journalism is huge. Parramatta’s population is forecast to hit nearly 500,000 by 2040. Apartment towers are springing up,filled with aspirational families,young professionals and essential workers. The population of the City of Parramatta and its 22 surrounding suburbs is forecast to climb from 516,000 to 892,000 by 2041. ThePowerhouse Parramatta,which will open in 2026,represents the largest cultural investment in Sydney since construction began on the Opera House. Other major infrastructure projects includeMetro West,which will have stations in Westmead,Parramatta,and potentially Rosehill.Light rail is in full swing,and the $3.5 billionParramatta Square project highlights the dramatic transformation of the suburb’s professional services sector. The area’sfood scene is also exploding.

In short,this part of Sydney is undergoing a rapid transformation,and we should be part of it.

The bureau will open in March with three to four reporters,with plans for those ranks to grow over the coming years. They will cover urban affairs,education,health,culture,sport,politics,transport and any other issues worthy of coverage. This is a huge opportunity for dynamic journalists to make their mark and really own something new and exciting.

The opening of our new bureau is one of a number of new investments across our publishing business designed to drive growth. The investment includes funding for office space in the Parramatta CBD,and a marketing budget to make sure people know about theHerald’s presence and our journalism.