NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, has today announced $400 million in funding for local councils and community groups in Blacktown, Hawkesbury and The Hills to deliver 21 “transformational” WestInvest projects.
The projects are the first to be announced through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round, with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.
The 21 projects, worth more than $400 million, include:
- Four new and upgraded swimming centres in Blacktown and Hawkesbury LGAs to provide residents with a heat refuge in the summer months and a place for exercise and relaxation all year round, including:
– $40.6 million for the Blacktown City Council for the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Renewal project
– $77.2 million for the for the Blacktown City Council to deliver the Blacktown Aquatic Centre Masterplan project
– $30.3 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the redevelopment of Richmond Swimming Centre project
– $6.7 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the Oasis Aquatic and Leisure Centre Improvements project. - $25.4 million for Blacktown City Council for the PCYC Mount Druitt Police and Community Youth Centre – a first-class sporting and community hub to support at-risk youth through education, training and mentoring.
- $19.5 million for Blacktown City Council for a new First Nation’s Cultural Centre in Mount Druitt, the heart of one of Australia’s largest communities of First Nations people, to strengthen connections to Country.
- Funding for community groups including $44 million for the YMCA NSW and $1.6 million for the Scout Association of Australia NSW to build community facilities that provide exciting programs for young people and families.
- $4.7 million for Hawkesbury City Council to deliver a new Cycleway Bridge over Rickabys Creek in Windsor to complete a continuous path of travel for cyclists and pedestrians between Richmond and Windsor town centres.
- $5 million in funding for Autism Spectrum Australia towards a brand-new, two-storey autism specific primary school in the Box Hill education precinct to support students who struggle to attend a mainstream or other special needs school due to their disability.
- $23.9 million for Hawkesbury City Council to help deliver the North Richmond Community Precinct with a library, indoor sports stadium and performing arts studios to act as a meeting and cultural space, social and recreational hub, and much-needed fit-for-purpose emergency evacuation centre.
- Funding for new playgrounds and open spaces including more than $600,000 for the Hills Community Aid and Information Services to deliver the Balcombe Heights Estate Centenary Sensory Garden which will provide an inclusive space for relaxation and passive recreation for all ages and abilities, including people with special needs.
- $4.6 million for Hills Shire Council to deliver The Castle Hill Showground – Pedestrian Bridge project to construct a new pedestrian and cycling bridge crossing Showground Road from Castle Hill Showground to Fred Caterson Reserve.
Mr Perrottet said the projects will change the face of the Western Sydney community.
“WestInvest is delivering three projects in Mount Druitt that form part of broader revamp of the area including a new aquatic centre, a first nations centre and a community youth centre to the value of more than $85 million,” the Premier said.
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.
