The latest local government area to benefit from the $5 billion WestInvest Fund is Wollondilly Shire Council, with a state-of-the-art performing arts centre, a range of new community hubs, better local traffic connections and sports facilities expected for the area.
The announcement outlined the more than $21 million in WestInvest funding to go to Wollondilly Shire Council for nine transformational projects:
- $5.2 million for the Dudley Chesham Masterplan 1st Stage project to deliver a multi use community facility to replace the existing sportsground complex
- $3.5 million towards the $22.3 million Wollondilly Community Cultural and Civic Precinct Performing Arts Centre project for an enhanced auditorium fit-out
- $3.5 million for the Thirlmere Hall Refurbishment project to transform the non-operational Thirlmere Hall into a new community hall
- $2.7 million for the Footpath and Shared Path Program to upgrade multiple paths across six communities to create safer and more accessible links
- $1.8 million for the Appin Park Community Space project to transform an existing single use facility into a multifunctional space
- $1.7 million for the Renew and Upgrade Oakdale Hall project to deliver a new accessible community facility
- $1.4 million for the Warragamba Netball Courts project for four new netball courts in the Waterboard Oval sporting precinct
- $1 million for the Railside Ave Main Street Upgrade in Bargo project to design and construct a roadside parking and travel rest location
- $500,000 for The Oaks Hall project to refurbish the existing facility to deliver an important community hub
Wollondilly Shire Council is contributing $18.8 million towards the Wollondilly Community Cultural and Civic Precinct Performing Arts Centre project.
As part of the WestInvest Fund, $2 billion was reserved for priority Community Projects, including $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in West and South West Sydney, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the New South Wales Government’s WestConnex asset recycling strategy, with a further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants available to local community groups.
A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by New South Wales Government agencies.
The announcement was made by New South Wales Premier, Dominic Perrottet, New South Wales Treasurer, Matt Kean, Minister for Western Sydney, David Elliott, and Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman.
Mr Perrottet said the Wollondilly Community Cultural and Civic Precinct Performing Arts Centre, which is on track to begin construction in January 2023, will attract artists, performers and art lovers to the area.
“WestInvest funding will go towards an enhanced fit-out of the auditorium contained within the performing arts centre,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Kean said the centre will receive upgraded kitchen facilities and retractable theatre seating to enable the auditorium to be reconfigured for a wide range of activities.
“This beautiful, architecturally-designed building will cater to the local creative community, attracting professional theatre productions, school performance recitals, gala and charity dinners and large scale conferences,” Mr Kean said.
Mr Elliott said WestInvest would fund five new and upgraded community hubs, providing a place for people to gather.
“The community hub is the heart of small communities and these projects will allow the tight-knit local communities in Wollondilly to gather for social occasions and events,” Mr Elliott said.
Mrs Tuckerman said the footpath and shared path program will also fund multiple paths across six communities to ensure these connections are safer and more accessible.
“This project, combined with the Railside Avenue Main Street Upgrade project in Bargo, will deliver important local traffic improvements in the area,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
Wollondilly Shire Council Mayor, Matt Gould, said thanks to the WestInvest funding, the council can undertake important projects that will enhance Wollondilly’s historic townships and villages.
“This significant investment will help strengthen our communities through upgrading community halls, renewing community facilities and constructing key connecting footpaths,” Mayor Gould said.
“This is exactly what our community needs to help increase its sense of connection and encourage positive health and wellbeing.”
Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said the WestInvest Fund will transform Wollondilly through investment in open spaces, sporting venues, community halls and performance centres.
“The New South Wales Government is making Wollondilly a better place to live,” Mr Smith said.
