Communities across Western Sydney, including the bushfire-affected shire of Wollondilly, last month received a $40.2 million boost with the release of Round 2 of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program.
The $190 million Liveability Program is part of the Western Sydney City Deal, an agreement between the Commonwealth, State Government and eight Western Sydney local councils.
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge said the investment would shape the region as an epicentre for liveability in Sydney.
“Not only will these projects benefit Western Sydney locals who will use the A-grade facilities, but it will also create new jobs and stimulate the local economies.
“Through the Western Sydney City Deal we set a target of 200,000 new jobs in the Western Parkland City, and every investment contributes to realising that target.”
New South Wales Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the projects would create liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods.
“This Liveability Program is strengthening our Parkland City’s transformation into one of the most vibrant and liveable places in Australia.”
The Western Parkland City takes in the council areas of Hawkesbury, Penrith, the Blue Mountains, Fairfield, Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown and Wollondilly.
Timely stimulus
Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, said it was a critical time to stimulate and support Western Sydney centres, given the effect of the recent bushfires.
“These new facilities will attract visitors as well as locals, helping boost bottom lines for businesses and creating new jobs for the people of Western Sydney.”
This is the second and final round of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, with allocations for Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury and Penrith councils filled in the first round.
Wollondilly Council has been granted $13 million towards the community, cultural and civic precinct redevelopment at Picton and upgrades to Tahmoor Sporting Complex.
Mayor, Matthew Deeth, said, “Thanks to the collaboration of Commonwealth, state and eight local governments we can do more than we’ve ever done for our community.
“We are very excited to receive this funding which allows us to move forward with our Liveability projects, in addition to all the other work we are doing across the shire.
“We are of course continuing the process of repairing the damage from the recent floods and fires, so it is great to have some certainty about future projects that will make a positive difference to our residents; promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting cultural activities and making Wollondilly an even better place to live, learn, work and play.
“This will be a shot in the arm for the local economy and will go a long way to bringing back visitors to Wollondilly to help support our small businesses.”
Building on projects funded by Round 1, which included a district skate facility, outdoor fitness equipment in eight locations, plus planning and consultation for the community cultural and civic precinct and the district sporting complex at Tahmoor, the second round will focus on the refurbishment of the Shire Hall along with community spaces and a new multipurpose auditorium at the Picton precinct.
Once-in-a-generation
Blue Mountains Council has $3.3 million to spend on upgrades to Blackheath village centre, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the liveability and accessibility of the popular Blue Mountains village.
Blackheath town square is one of ten projects, valued at more than $18.7 million, that will provide a boost to community infrastructure and public spaces.
Mayor, Mark Greenhill, said, “It’s wonderful to be able to start to bring to fruition the vision for Blackheath village centre, through this grant funding.”
An additional $40,000 will be used to design and construct a new entry into the Springwood library from the car park. This will be delivered as part of the current upgrade project at the Library, worth $2.5 million.
“We welcome the announcement of the Liveability Program funding for an extra component to the upgrade of Springwood Library. This means we can greatly improve access to the complex, for all our users, and particularly for those with mobility issues,” Mayor Greenhill said.
Councils step up
The Western Sydney City Deal aims to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, being delivered through a $5.3 billion Australian Government investment.
What started as a $150 million commitment has now exceeded $190 million as a result of some councils contributing significantly more than the minimum required co-contribution ($3.75 million).
The total Program contributions are $60 million from the Australian Government, $60 million from the New South Wales Government and $70,057,035 from councils.
Liverpool City Council’s grant of $6,650,000 will see construction commence on a playground and sports field (a multi-purpose recreational space) as part of stage one of its Light Horse Park redevelopment project.
Stage one of the project also includes detailed design and design project management components that will be fully funded by Council.
Mayor, Wendy Waller, said, “Liverpool City Council welcomes the Liveability Program funding announced for the Light Horse Park masterplan.
“The new Light Horse Park is a key part of Council’s vision to refocus Liverpool towards the Georges River.
“Light Horse Park will become a living bridge between the central business district and the river as well as a world-class recreation hub with sports fields, community facilities, playgrounds and gardens.”
Fairfield City Council will extend its Aquatopia water park with construction of a community Wave Pool, with a grant of $8,771,083.
The Wave Pool will promote an active and healthy community, provide equitable and affordable recreation, and help mitigate urban heat impacts during summer.
Mayor Frank Carbone, said, “We are pleased to be able to announce the construction of a wave pool at Aquatopia for residents of the whole region to enjoy – with the assistance of Liveability Program funding as part of the Western Sydney City Deal.
“This is a great example of how different levels of government can work together in partnership to improve people’s quality of life and facilities.”
