The New South Wales Government has announced funding for local councils and community groups in Blacktown, Hawkesbury and The Hills to deliver 21 projects, including new pools, parks, sports fields, cycling and walking tracks, as part of the $5 billion ongoing WestInvest program.
The projects are the first to be announced through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round, with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.
Blacktown City Council has received $239 million in funding, with Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, welcoming the announcement.
“Blacktown City is the biggest council area by population in New South Wales and the fastest growing. Today, the New South Wales Government recognised the solutions offered by Council which will support community infrastructure and will provide support to people with economic and social disadvantage in our City,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Council will make sure we use these funds wisely to provide the greatest benefit for our residents and Blacktown City.”
New South Wales Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said the projects funded will change the face of the Western Sydney community.
“This is all thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest program and is made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy,” Mr Perrotett said.
“WestInvest is delivering three projects in Mount Druitt that form part of a broader revamp of the area including a new aquatic centre, a First Nations centre and a community youth centre to the value of more than $85 million.”
New South Wales Treasurer, Matt Kean, said the WestInvest projects will deliver new and improved facilities, more open spaces and help connect communities for generations to come.
“These WestInvest projects vary in size and scale, offer something for everyone and provide the opportunity to learn, gather, exercise, support each other and connect communities,” Mr Kean said.
More than 680 applicants submitted a WestInvest application to the value of more than $7.9 billion.
The successful projects were announced after a comprehensive assessment process outlined in the WestInvest Community Project Grant Guidelines. All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a 1:1 feedback session.
The projects announced on 19 January 2023 are in addition to the 68 projects announced by the New South Wales Government in 2022 through the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation, that allocated more than $400 million to 15 eligible local councils to deliver transformational infrastructure projects.
The 21 projects, worth more than $400 million, include:
- Four new and upgraded swimming centres in Blacktown and Hawkesbury LGAs to provide residents with a heat refuge in the summer months and a place for exercise and relaxation all year round, including:
o $40.6 million for the Blacktown City Council for the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Renewal project
o $77.2 million for the for the Blacktown City Council to deliver the Blacktown Aquatic Centre Masterplan project
o $30.3 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the redevelopment of Richmond Swimming Centre project
o $6.7 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the Oasis Aquatic and Leisure Centre Improvements project - $25.4 million for Blacktown City Council for the PCYC Mount Druitt Police and Community Youth Centre – a first-class sporting and community hub to support at-risk youth through education, training and mentoring.
- $19.5 million for Blacktown City Council for a new First Nation’s Cultural Centre in Mount Druitt, the heart of one of Australia’s largest communities of First Nations people, to strengthen connections to Country
- Funding for community groups including $44 million for the YMCA New South Wales and $1.6 million for the Scout Association of Australia New South Wales to build community facilities that provide exciting programs for young people and families
- $4.7 million for Hawkesbury City Council to deliver a new Cycleway Bridge over Rickabys Creek in Windsor to complete a continuous path of travel for cyclists and pedestrians between Richmond and Windsor town centres
- $5 million in funding for Autism Spectrum Australia towards a brand-new, two-storey autism specific primary school in the Box Hill education precinct to support students who struggle to attend a mainstream or other special needs school due to their disability
- $23.9 million for Hawkesbury City Council to help deliver the North Richmond Community Precinct with a library, indoor sports stadium and performing arts studios to act as a meeting and cultural space, social and recreational hub, and much-needed fit-for-purpose emergency evacuation centre
- Funding for new playgrounds and open spaces including more than $600,000 for the Hills Community Aid and Information Services to deliver the Balcombe Heights Estate Centenary Sensory Garden which will provide an inclusive space for relaxation and passive recreation for all ages and abilities, including people with special needs
- $4.6 million for Hills Shire Council to deliver The Castle Hill Showground – Pedestrian Bridge project to construct a new pedestrian and cycling bridge crossing Showground Road from Castle Hill Showground to Fred Caterson Reserve
