Botanic Gardens among public spaces to secure NSW Government funding

The NSW Government has advised it will be investing $110 million in the 2025-26 Budget to revitalise and rebuild an array of public spaces – aimed at delivering enhanced and safer communities for the state.

A number of critical works have been identified as requiring upgrades across Crown Lands and public spaces with the renewal of assets at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan and Botanic Garden Mount Tomah among the projects to have secured funding.

The 2025-26 Budget will fund these critical works to make sure communities have access to safe, accessible and fun public spaces.

Projects include:

• $12.4 million to maintain and upgrade fire trails on Crown land and adjoining land to provide safe access for fire fighters to battle bushfires and protect local communities.  Crown Lands undertakes statewide helicopter inspections to keep the network in good shape.

• $1 million for Parramatta Park to renew recreation, sporting, and infrastructure assets and keep the 85-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Listed site safe and functional.

• $59.8 million to refurbish the iconic heritage listed Pyrmont Bridge to keep it as a key active transport link in and out of the Sydney CBD.

• $5 million to stabilise the seawall shoreline at Warrawong Parklands at Lake Illawarra which has been impacted by erosion. The project will restore safe community access and create a more inviting parkland and vibrant public space.

• $9 million to renew assets at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan and Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.

• $10 million to maintain infrastructure at Sydney Olympic Park to keep the sporting and recreation precinct in good shape.

• $7.1 million to maintain community buildings and other public infrastructure on Crown Land, from public halls and sports facilities to walking trails and bridges.

• $6 million to remediate Crown Land that has been contaminated, such as former cattle dip sites, mines and industrial sites, to protect the environment, and restore land for use. Funding will also help control invasive species such as feral foxes and rabbits and noxious and invasive weeds to keep land healthy and functional.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully noted “NSW public spaces attract millions of visitors each year for recreation, sport, community and cultural activities so it is essential we invest so these beloved spaces can continue to serve our community for decades to come.”