WestInvest to fund upgrades to community and aquatic centres, parks and sport reserves in Blacktown

The NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest Fund will see $34.6 million allocated to Blacktown Council for six transformational projects.

• $26.8 million for the Revitalisation of Mount Druitt Hub project which will expand and modernise the existing community centre with a fully accessible library, art studios and cafes, to create an environment to learn, work and play

• $2.2 million for the Community Infrastructure in the Blacktown Local Government Area project which will upgrade three community and aquatic centres

• $2.1 million for the Reserve Embellishment – Tallawong Reserve and Rosenthal Park project which will upgrade two parks to provide improved play areas, pedestrian access, and sport and picnic areas.

• $1.6 million for the Community Park refurbishment at Ashley Brown Reserve North project which will enhance the aging sports ground to support the community’s lifestyle, health and wellbeing

• $1.2 million for the Quality Green and Open Spaces in Blacktown LGA project which will deliver upgrades to sports fields and community infrastructure across five locations

• $708,600 for the Local Traffic Programs in Blacktown project which will enhance and improve streetscapes, and road and pedestrian safety.

NSW Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the swimming centre upgrades will provide a refuge to the summer heat for both local communities and visitors.

WestInvest funding will deliver a new outdoor Splash Pad at Riverstone Swimming Centre and Charlie Lowles Swimming Centre will be available for residents to cool off in the hot summer months.

Minister Tuckerman advised “Blacktown Council specifically highlighted the impact on the community of the increasing number of 35 degree days in their WestInvest funding application. These swimming centre upgrades as well as the new and revitalised parks and reserves will help to reduce the heat impact.”

As part of the WestInvest Fund, $2 billion was reserved for priority Community Projects. This included $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in West and South West Sydney, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.

NSW Premier Perrottet said the projects put forward by the Blacktown City Council would help to build a brighter future for the people of Western Sydney.

Premier Perrottet notes “Blacktown has the highest population of our 15 WestInvest Local Government Areas and these projects put forward by Blacktown Council will fund projects across the LGA to deliver real benefits to the community.

“WestInvest, which has been made possible by our successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy, is helping make one of our fastest growing areas an even better place for families to live, work and play.”

Image: WestInvest funding will deliver a new outdoor Splash Pad at Riverstone Swimming Centre