Joint media release with the Hon Susan Templeman MP and the Hon Janelle Saffin MP
The Hawkesbury community has a renewed place to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors, with the upgrade of Argyle Bailey Reserve now complete.
The project has delivered new walking paths, a picnic area with barbecue facilities, modern public amenities and upgrades to drainage and car parking infrastructure, improving the popular reserve for residents and visitors.
The renewal was supported by $2.23 million from the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program, $330,000 from the Community Assets Program and $87,661 from the Hawkesbury City Council.
The Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program and Community Assets Program are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), supporting the repair, restoration and improvement of community infrastructure following 2021 and 2022 disasters.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"The Albanese Government is proud to support projects like this through disaster recovery funding, helping communities not only recover from the impacts of severe weather events but to build back stronger and more resilient.
"We have always stood by Australian communities when disaster strikes, and we will continue to stand by them in the future.
"This project is a great example of what can be delivered when all levels of government work together to deliver lasting benefits for local communities."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
"Community infrastructure is an important part of recovery because these are the places that bring people together and help communities reconnect following a disaster."
"This investment has not only restored Argyle Bailey Reserve but delivered improvements that will make it a more accessible, functional and resilient community space for years to come.
"The Australian and NSW governments continue to work with councils across the state to restore community infrastructure and support communities in their long-term recovery."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP:
"Argyle Bailey reserve is a much-loved community space, and it's fantastic to see these upgrades complete for local residents and visitors to enjoy.
"Federal and state government funding made it possible to build back better after the riverbank restoration and stabilisation works"
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hawkesbury Councillor Les Sheather:
"Today's ribbon cutting marks the completion of a fantastic project that has transformed Argyle Bailey Reserve into an even more attractive and accessible destination for our community.
"The new facilities provide opportunities for families and visitors to gather, relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Hawkesbury, while the upgraded infrastructure will support the reserve's use well into the future."
