A revamp of a popular ice skating rink, an Indigenous Centre of Excellence, a huge boost to walking and cycling paths and Australia’s first RSPCA Community Outreach Centre are among the latest projects funded through the NSW Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced more than $532 million funding for local councils and community groups in Parramatta, Cumberland, Canterbury Bankstown, Burwood, Strathfield and Fairfield to deliver 34 transformational infrastructure projects.
This takes the total number of projects funded under the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round to 118.
The 34 projects announced today include:
- $82.4 million to the Parramatta City Council for five separate active transport projects:
- $9.8 million for the Finlaysons Creek Regional Cycleway to link the M4 and Prospect Canal cycleways to the T-Way Cycleway and Parramatta Valley Cycleway via a safe and accessible path along Finlaysons Creek in Wentworthville and Westmead
- $10.7 million for the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Cycleway project to complete a large part of the Sydney to Parramatta Cycleway and connect the M4 Cycleway and Haslams Creek Paths
- $26 million for the Western Parramatta River and CBD Precinct Connections project that will connect the Parramatta City Centre, its river and Parramatta Park. The project will create continuous city-side foreshore access, river crossings and connections from street to foreshore level
- $9 million for the Eastern Parramatta River and CBD Precinct Connections project that will enhance the safety, capacity and experience along the Parramatta foreshore for pedestrians and cyclists.
- $26.9 million for the Duck River Nature Trail in Silverwater, a high amenity track along Duck River connecting the M4 Cycleway and Parramatta Valley off road cycleway
- $78.5 million for Western Sydney University to establish an Indigenous Centre of Excellence at Rydalmere that will generate long term benefits for Indigenous communities across the region
- $52.4 million for Burwood Council to redevelop the Enfield Aquatic Centre which includes a new 50 metre pool, children’s area, leisure centre, café and new green space
- $40 million for City of Parramatta Council to revitalise the 30-year-old Riverside Theatres and cultural arts centre to provide a state-of-the-art performance centre
- $17.7 million to The Ice Skating Club of NSW to upgrade the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink and allow the facility to reopen and continue to operate for the next 50 years
- $20.3 million for Burwood Council to establish the Burwood Urban Park and Arts and Cultural Centre to transform an underutilised carpark for community use
- $8.7 million for the St Merkorious Charity Association to deliver the St Merkorious Food Distribution Centre & Sustainable Community Garden in Riverwood, allowing the charity to provide up to 15,000 meals a week to disadvantaged communities in Western Sydney
- $6.8 million for RSPCA NSW to deliver Australia’s first Community Outreach Centre in Western Sydney to expand targeted desexing programs.
Mr Perrottet said the 34 WestInvest projects will boost Indigenous education, connect communities and create more ways for locals to stay active.
“WestInvest is delivering critical infrastructure for communities and is further proof that only a Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government has a plan to deliver a better future for the people of NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The active transport projects in Parramatta alone will create stunning new walking and cycling tracks for people from all over Western Sydney to enjoy.
“Our strong economic management means we can help deliver more playgrounds, aquatic centres, cultural centres and facilities in a massive boost for communities across the area.”
Mr Kean said the funding for Canterbury Ice Rink will allow the much-loved venue to reopen and continue to support professional and amateur skaters across Western Sydney and beyond.
“The funding will deliver a much needed new roof, a concrete ice floor and barrier system. These new amenities will support our state and national athletes and provide a safe and affordable skating space for the community,” Mr Kean said.
“The WSU Indigenous Centre of Excellence project will provide more opportunities to celebrate culture and Connection to Country.”
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.
