Mundey and CFMEU New South Wales secretary Ryan Parker have called for a green ban on an historic North Parramatta precinct that residents are lobbying to turn into an educational outdoor museum, like Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill.

The green ban, in place on Thursday, is a form of strike action for environmental or conservationist purposes and would slow plans for an urban re-development and high rises in the designated zone. This Parramatta region includes a female factory, Old Parramatta goal, Australia’s first governor’s house, Governor Arthur Phillip’s landing, and a string of colonial, European and Indigenous heritage sites. 

North Parramatta Residents' Action Group vice-president Jon Hillman said the union backing was a real “game changer” in their battle to preserve and bring history to life – and help build a tourism boom. The group’s vision featured in The Courier last week and has been gaining public momentum.

Sovereign Hill opened in November 1970 are recreates Ballarat’s first 10 years after the discovery of gold in the 1850s. The outdoor museum contributes about $228.5 million and more than 1400 jobs to the Victorian economy annually.

Ballarat Regional Tourism chief executive officer George Sossi said Sovereign Hill had the mix right for international appeal.

“Sovereign Hill has played a huge part in putting Ballarat on the map as a must-visit Victorian destination, the attraction is an extremely important icon to our region,” Mr Sossi said. “Sovereign Hill contributes 38 per cent of Ballarat’s overall visitation, attracting both an international and domestic market. It’s a world-class and award winning attraction.”

North Parramatta residents and Hillman see potential for a heritage partnership with Ballarat. Hillman said Sovereign Hill was an inspiration for making history come alive – and there was much Australian history to share.