Two key Hawkesbury projects - the development of Fernadell Park and the rebuilding of the Upper Hawkesbury Powerboat Club clubhouse - will share in a $13.5 million funding boost thanks to the Federal Government's Thriving Suburbs Program.
Work is due to commence in 2025 on the development of Fernadell Park at Pitt Town to deliver a new community centre and district level sporting and recreational park in line with the approved masterplan.
The Thriving Suburbs Program grant for this project is $6.69 million. The project has also received funding from the NSW Government through its Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program ($4.695 million) and the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund ($3.3 million). Council will also contribute $8.288 million to see the full implementation of the masterplanned precinct.
The Upper Hawkesbury Powerboat Club clubhouse at Governor Phillip Park, Windsor was significantly damaged by the series of floods between 2020 and 2024. Council is currently in the design phase for delivering a brand-new multi-purpose community facility that would be resilient to any future flood events.
The Thriving Suburbs Program grant for this project is $6.81 million. Council has already received $820,000 for the works from the NSW Government's Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package funding scheme. Council will also contribute $3 million.
Hawkesbury City Mayor Les Sheather joined the Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman at Governor Phillip Park to announce the funding for the two projects.
"Hawkesbury City Council is committed to delivering places that our residents can be proud of, that support community cohesion and promote active and healthy lifestyles for residents and visitors," Mayor Sheather said.
"This funding helps ensure these projects provide the facilities and inclusions our community wants in a timely manner and that are still here for the Hawkesbury to enjoy for generations to come.
"I know that both these projects are eagerly anticipated by the community, and I look forward to seeing locals and visitors alike enjoying the new facilities at Fernadell Park and Governor Phillip Park in the near future.
"I thank Susan Templeman for her support of these projects. We have worked closely with her and the community will always benefit when we work collaboratively."
Susan Templeman MP said:
"This is the first Federal funding of any significance into the Fernadell precinct. I congratulate the Pitt Town community on its patient advocacy to get the facilities their community deserves.
"The Windsor River Users Hub will provide first class facilities for a variety of recreational water sports, which are part of the Hawkesbury's lifestyle.
"I'm delighted the Albanese government is able to help Hawkesbury City Council fund both of these projects for the benefit of residents and visitors alike."
