Residents in Parramatta will benefit from new sporting facilities, better parks and playgrounds and a youth-focused skate and BMX park precinct funded by the $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants program.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman announced more than $15.3 million in funding to the City of Parramatta Council for six projects which will deliver infrastructure to shape the future of Western Sydney as part of the $5 billion WestInvest Fund.
The $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants includes $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas in West and South West Sydney, based on population size.
Projects funded in Parramatta include:
- $4.6 million for the Somerville Park Improvement project which will provide new facilities for recreation and exercise, including accessible playgrounds, multi-purpose sports courts and outdoor fitness equipment
- $3.8 million for the Max Ruddock Reserve Amenities Modernisation with viewing platform project to upgrade a 50-year-old building to support growth in local sport.
- $3.7 million for the Sue Savage Reserve Multigenerational Recreational Facilities project to provide a new youth precinct centered around a skate and BMX park.
- $1.5 million for the Active Youth are Healthy Youth project which will improve youth-focused play equipment across Dundas Ward.
- $1.4 million for the Let’s Play @ Kilpack! project to enhance the existing open space with new play and fitness equipment, as well as circuit paths and lighting.
- $354,725 for the West Epping Dog Off Leash Area project for a new fenced space for dogs and their owners.
The City of Parramatta Council will co-contribute a combined $533,311 to the Sue Savage Reserve Multigenerational Recreational Facilities and the Let’s Play @ Kilpack project.
Mr Perrottet said the projects funded will deliver a wide-range of benefits for the community helping make our River City a better place to live, work and play.
“These six projects focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the local community by providing improved sport, recreational facilities and more open space made possible by our successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy,” Mr Perrottet said.
“WestInvest is ensuring the people of Parramatta have better access to green space for sport and recreation helping build on our vision of Parramatta as a vibrant cultural hub as part of the NSW Government’s Six Cities Strategy.”
Mr Kean said the Sue Savage Reserve project will enhance the existing open space to provide new BMX and skating facilities, as well as fitness stations in response to community feedback.
“This project is perfect for a booming city with a high proportion of youngsters growing up in the area,” Mr Kean said.
Mrs Tuckerman said the Active Youth are Healthy Youth project will be driven by local young people in Parramatta, to design and enhance infrastructure for recreation and socialisation.
“Outdoor playgrounds are vital for young families to get together, explore and relax. It’s community facilities like these which councils are best placed to deliver through partnerships with the NSW Government,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
The City of Parramatta Council was allocated $29.9 million through the Local Government Allocation. Additional projects submitted by council totalling $12 million are being assessed and will be funded if they meet all requirements under the WestInvest Guidelines. Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon.
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is 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 NSW Government agencies.
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest