European history
Parramatta is Australia’s second oldest settlement, established on 2 November 1788. The surrounding area was used to farm crops for the new colony as the poor soils around Port Jackson would not support stable food crops.
By the late 1850’s Parramatta was the main metropolis of NSW placing considerable pressure on the natural environment. The River foreshore also became the site for heavy industry, resulting in extensive soil contamination which still has a major impact on the estuary today.