Western Sydney locals will benefit from more than 20 new and revitalised parks, 22 upgraded sports grounds and recreational facilities and more than 30 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, funded by the $5 billion WestInvest Fund.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean, Minister for Western Sydney David Elliott and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today announced more than $69 million in funding for a further 12 projects across five Local Government Areas (LGAs). This takes the total number of projects funded through the $400 million WestInvest Community Project Grants - Local Government Allocation, to 68, worth more than $357 million.
The LGA of Strathfield is continuing to progress through the application process, with successful projects to be announced at a later date.
In Hawkesbury, almost $17 million has been allocated to four projects:
- $5.4 million towards the $8.8 million Woodbury Reserve Upgrade project to deliver a new playground, sports courts, a BMX pump track, a skate park and walking tracks
- $4.5 million for the Kurrajong to Kurmond Cycleway project to deliver a 1.75km offroad shared path alongside Bells Line of Road between Kurmond and Kurrajong
- $4.6 million towards the $9.87 million Fernadell Park and Community Facility development project to deliver new sporting facilities to encourage women and young people to get active
- $2.3 million for the Getting around and discovering the Hawkesbury project to deliver wayfinding and signage to guide residents and visitors through the diverse attractions in the Hawkesbury.
- Hawkesbury City Council will contribute a combined $8.7 million to the Woodbury Reserve Upgrade and Fernadell Park and Community Facility development projects.
In the Hills, $15.5 million in WestInvest funding has been allocated to two projects:
- $15 million for the Horseworld - Indoor Recreation Centre project which will convert and refurbish an existing private indoor equestrian centre into a new recreational facility
- $500,000 for the Upgrading of Flood Warning Infrastructure project to promote community safety and improve resilience to potential future flood events.
- The Hills Shire Council will submit a further project for the remainder of their $26.98 million allocation.
Another two projects have been funded in the Blue Mountains, taking the total number of projects to five. These include:
- $8.5 million towards the $12.5 million Wentworth Falls Dam and Lake Recreational Precinct project to complete the 1.5km loop walk, deliver a 66-metre viewing platform across the weir spillway and improve access to the lake for recreational activities
- $5 million towards the$7.7 million Leura Cascades Recreation Precinct Upgrade - Stage 2 projectto improve visitor infrastructure within and surrounding the Leura Cascades Picnic Area.
The Blue Mountains Council will contribute $6.7 million towards the two projects.
A further two projects have been funded in Canterbury-Bankstown, taking the total number of projects to six. These include:
- $5 million towards the $10 million Belmore and Lakemba Town Centre Renewal project to activate the highstreets with more trees and outdoor dining options
- $5 million towards the $10 million Panania Library and Knowledge Centre project to transform the 50-year-old library into a modern facility with new meeting and study areas.
Canterbury-Bankstown Council will contribute $10 million towards the two projects.
A further two projects have been funded in Parramatta, taking the total number of projects to eight. These include:
- $8.3 million for the Doyle Ground Sports Facility Improvements project to upgrade the existing facility to provide better access to open space for recreation
- $5.5 million for the Refurbish Rydalmere Bowling Club project to upgrade the existing premises with a fitness and leisure centre, and better food and beverage facilities with outdoor dining.
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government created WestInvest to make Western Sydney an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
"Whether it be through new parks and gardens, better walking tracks or exciting new sporting precincts, these projects are all about connecting communities," Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Kean said the projects put forward by local councils will benefit every cross section of the diverse Western Sydney community.
"Since the beginning of October, we have announced more than $357 million in funding for 68 projects put forward by local councils from Burwood to the Blue Mountains, and from Wollondilly to the Hawkesbury. And there is so much more to come," Mr Kean said.
The WestInvest Local Government Allocation will deliver:
- 20 new and revitalised parks
- 22 upgraded sports grounds, recreational facilities
- More than 30km of new or upgraded walking/cycling paths
- 12 activated high streets and town centres
- 19 new and upgraded community and multipurpose centres
- 13 arts and cultural-focused projects
- Four new and upgraded libraries
- Six youth-focused projects
- 19 new and upgraded playgrounds
- 13 new and upgraded BMX and/or skate parks
- 11 new and upgraded BBQ and picnic facilities and shelters
Mr Elliott said the projects will secure a brighter future for Western Sydney families by building new facilities and local infrastructure.
"We want people to love living locally, and this investment will deliver improved local facilities, more open spaces and convenient services all close to home," Mr Elliott said.
Mrs Tuckerman said the projects are based on years of consultation between local councils and their communities.
"The NSW Government and local councils have listened to the people of Western Sydney. These projects will provide residents with a place to connect to family and friends and better ways to connect to nature," Mrs Tuckerman said.
As part of the WestInvest Fund, $2 billion was reserved for priority Community Projects. This included $400 million for 15 LGAs in West and South West Sydney, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups. These projects are expected to be announced later this year. A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects led by NSW Government agencies.
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government's successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
Find out more about WestInvest from the website
