Councils across NSW will share $7 million in NSW Government funding to construct and upgrade play spaces that ensure inclusivity, with half the money being awarded to regional projects.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said regional NSW councils will benefit from over $3.65 million in funding for 15 new projects and six upgraded play spaces in round three of the Everyone Can Play grants program.
"This is a wonderful program and in this round we focused on communities affected by the recent devastating bushfires and drought," Mr Stokes said.
"As a result, more than 60 per cent of successful applicants are from regional NSW.
"Great public spaces are essential infrastructure for any city or town, particularly in communities that have experienced recent hardship and heartache.
"These inclusive play spaces will be focal points for rebuilding these communities as well as public spaces where people of all ages and ability can come and play."
A summary of this round of grants for new play spaces includes:
- Walgett and Eurobodalla shire councils each receiving $511,000 for demonstration projects as their communities were impacted significantly by drought or bushfire;
- Bayside Council receiving $500,000 for renewed and expanded playspaces at Depena Reserve and Todd Reserve;
- Bega Council receiving $300,000 for a new Eden Play and Skate Precinct;
- City of Newcastle council receiving $300,000 for a new inclusive play space on the foreshore;
- Lake Macquarie City Council receiving $290,000 for a sensory and inclusive play space at Rathmines Park;
- Cumberland City Council receiving $300,000 for a multi-generational play space at Civic park; and
- The Hills Shire Council receiving more than $276,631 for a new accessible play space at Equinox Drive Reserve.
The 37 successful projects in the third round follows 71 playspace projects already funded with $8 million worth of grants.
The Everyone Can Play program was established in 2018 as part of the $290 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package.
The NSW Government has committed $20 million over five years to creating inclusive playspaces.
A full list of recipients is available at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/EveryoneCanPlay
For more information, go to www.everyonecanplay.nsw.gov.au
