More than 16 major projects have been drafted by Blacktown City Council to be covered by the $400 million WestInvest allocations, focusing on major city infrastructure.
Blacktown City Council has been allocated $34.548 million as part of the $400 million WestInvest funding which has been allocated directly to 15 Western Sydney Councils.
Blacktown City Council is seeking a further $647 million for 12 major infrastructure projects for consideration under WestInvest’s $1.6 billion community grants program.
Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale, said that WestInvest will fund and deliver transformation projects that will enhance communities and create jobs throughout Western Sydney.
“Blacktown City is the biggest council area by population in New South Wales – and the fastest growing,” Mayor Bleasedale said.
“We have the greatest community infrastructure needs due to the massive residential development in suburbs such as Marsden Park, Schofields and Riverstone, and the economic and social disadvantage in some areas of our City.
“Blacktown City, along with other rapidly growing cities in Western Sydney, is badly in need of funding support for community infrastructure.
“Our Council is now involved in a competitive bidding process for funding the 12 major projects with the 14 other Western Sydney councils.
“Our Council’s 12 major projects have been identified after extensive community consultation, and I sincerely hope that the process for selecting the projects to be funded will be transparent and free from the political favouritism that has been so widely criticised in the past.
“Council will make sure we use these funds wisely to provide the greatest benefit for our residents and the environment.”
Some projects include:
- $200 million for an aquatic, cultural, community and library complex in Riverstone:
- The proposal includes a state-of-the-art library, aquatic centre, indoor recreation facility, cultural and performance space, community hall, family areas and a cafe
- $95 million for a basketball and volleyball hub in Rooty Hill::
- This regional sports hub will include 12 indoor courts, including a show court with seating for 3,000 people, six outdoor beach volleyball courts and facilities for high performance training and the media
- $30 million regional netball and multi-sports centre in Schofields
- $20 million First Nations Cultural Centre at Mount Druitt:
- Set to provide a community hub with dedicated spaces to deliver cultural programs and promote connectedness, wellbeing and support economic self-determination. A team of First Nations experts and knowledge holders would lead the design and purpose of the facility
- $27 million transformation of the Mount Druitt Town Centre:
- This project proposes a range of improvements to the heart of Mount Druitt, with a potential expansion of the Mount Druitt Hub, upgrades to Dawson Mall and Kevin Betts Stadium
Council is seeking $1.3 million from its WestInvest allocation for the construction of a splash pad and heating of the outdoor pool at the Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre in Emerton.
Ashley Brown Reserve in Lalor Park is also set to be refurbished, with a new playground, paths and improved seating and access, while Rosenthal Park in Doonside will be allocated $1 million for improvements including multi-purpose court areas, picnic areas, seating, tree planting and new pathways.
Stay tuned to Council for project updates over the coming months.
Featured 3D visualisation of Riverstone Aquatic Centre courtesy of Blacktown Council.
