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Premier Dominic Perrottet said the $304.3 million investment will deliver grand parklands providing the people of Western Sydney with some of the best parklands in the nation as well as turbocharging outdoor and recreation tourism opportunities on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney Airport. This is part of a total $757 million investment in green and open spaces made possible by WestInvest.

“These parks and public spaces will become Western Sydney’s answer to Centennial Park and Hyde Park in the east, a generational investment to leave a legacy of beautiful public spaces,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This funding will unlock and protect critical green space for the growing Western Sydney population to enjoy now and into the future as well as visitors arrive out at the new Western Sydney Airport.

“Our long term economic plan means we can make these investments in our communities alongside the hospitals, schools, roads and rail projects to keep our state moving forward.”

Projects announced today include:

• $203.7 million for the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan Master Plan to create a new lakes picnic precinct, build biodome greenhouses and establish one of the world’s leading and most sustainable scientific gardens;
• $85.6 million to upgrade Salt Pan Creek Reserve within Canterbury-Bankstown to strengthen the Salt Pan Creek Open Space Corridor and provide amenities for the local community;
• $15 million to collaborate with key stakeholders to progress the development of the Penrith Lakes precinct as a key tourism, recreation and sporting destination.

The funding also includes $65 million to open up and transform Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa, announced last week.

These projects will unlock vast areas of new open and green space for the people of Western Sydney and has been made possible because of the NSW Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s economic plan for the future.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the 416-hectare Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan would be turned into a world-class public space for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“The enormous investment in the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will make it one of the world’s most important and sustainable gardens and a treasured public space for the people of South West Sydney,” Mr Kean said.

“It will encourage active lifestyles, restore biodiversity and improve access to quality recreational areas for families to enjoy.

“The project seeks to build on the important botanical science research and plant collections that are driving effective conservation to ensure the survival of plants and all life that depends on them.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the funding would support the NSW Liberals and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government’s vision for a city within a park.

“WestInvest quite literally uses a motorway to fund a greenway, delivering a legacy of parks, paths and playgrounds for Western Sydney families to enjoy,” Mr Stokes said.

“These projects will make great public parklands even better, creating verdant playgrounds for the people of Western Sydney to enjoy for generations to come.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Anthony Roberts said the funding for the Salt Pan Creek Reserve project will support the realisation of the Salt Pan Creek Reserve Masterplan which includes new and improved sporting grounds, play spaces, active and passive recreation facilities and the opportunity for solar power generation.

“Salt Pan Creek Reserve, in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA, is a large open space, with significant potential for future recreation areas for the community,” Mr Roberts said.

“The upgrade of Salt Pan Creek Reserve will strengthen the Salt Pan Creek Open Space Corridor, which is a South District Green Grid Priority Project linking Bankstown to the Georges River. This is a fantastic outcome for the communities of south-west Sydney.”

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