Hawkesbury City Council is working hard on the delivery of its 10 Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program (WSIG) projects, with $98 million in funding from the NSW Government.
These projects were submitted for funding under the WSIG (formerly WestInvest) program in 2022. Since then, cost escalation has occurred with the price of materials and labour increasing significantly between the time grant applications were submitted by Council and the funding deeds being executed by the funding body.
Substantial work has been and is being undertaken by Council to realign these projects to remain on budget while still delivering the promised community benefits, and secure additional external funding where possible. Council takes its commitment to robust fiscal responsibility very seriously.
We are pleased to provide the community with the following updates:
Woodbury Reserve, Glossodia
The redevelopment of Woodbury Reserve is well underway, with the BMX pump track and mountain bike trails completed in August 2024. Construction on the skate park, the next stage of delivering the Woodbury Reserve Master Plan, commenced on 4 February 2025. Tender documents for the landscape and sporting facilities are in preparation. This project is on track to be completed within the available funding.
Fernadell Park, Pitt Town
A Request for Tender (RFT) for the construction of the sporting fields, landscape and amenities building was issued on 29 November 2024 and closed on 7 February 2025. The tender submissions will be evaluated and subject to a successful outcome, construction for Fernadell Park landscape and amenities will commence in Autumn 2025, weather permitting. The community centre (artist impression pictured) is currently in the development application process.
Thanks to careful design work and additional co-funding from the Australian Government's Thriving Suburbs Program, this project is on track to being delivered on budget.
Kurrajong to Kurmond Cycleway
Design for this project is underway with the targeted completion by May 2025. The project is now on track to be delivered on budget.
Wayfinding signage project
The design package for the full suite of signs has been created and a staged rollout of signs in our town centres and entry points to the Hawkesbury is underway, with Richmond and South Windsor signs already installed and further signage rollout being timed for 2025..
The following projects face potential cost escalations compared with the initial cost estimates in 2022. Staff are exploring options including redesigns, the potential of staging some projects and seeking alternative funding opportunities to ensure these projects can be delivered on budget. Any proposed changes will need to be approved by the State Government and Council.
Turnbull Oval, North Richmond
Design for this project is underway. The potential for cost overruns was identified early in the design process and a more refined version with refurbishment and extension of the amenities building with tiered seating, that can be delivered on budget is being developed in consultation with stakeholders. A grant application for the separate redevelopment of the multi-sport courts has been submitted to the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
Richmond Swimming Centre, Richmond
Plans are currently on exhibition at the concept design stage, and the public is invited to provide feedback until Friday, 28 March 2025. A report was delivered to Council in December 2024 detailing the project status and the development concept options with associated costs and operational models, with Councillors choosing to send this design to public consultation.
Hawkesbury Oasis Aquatic and Fitness Centre, South Windsor
A refined set of concept plans are currently on exhibition, and the public is invited to provide feedback until Friday, 28 March 2025. Council is seeking to have one company design and deliver both the Oasis and Richmond Swimming Centre to gain additional cost savings.
North Richmond Community Centre
Council is prioritising the early delivery of the Emergency Evacuation facility by exploring the option of refurbishing the youth centre currently at the North Richmond Community Centre site. This will be funded by a Federal Disaster Resilience Funding grant. This can take place while plans for the remainder of the site are developed. Once a concept plan is finalised, further community consultation will be undertaken.
Tamplin Field, Hobartville
A design for the sports fields and amenities building that fits the available budget is currently underway. Fence relocation between the field and the neighbouring public school has been completed by the NSW Department of Education.
Shared Path Cycleway over Rickabys Creek
The concept design for the Cycleway Bridge Over Rickabys Creek has been completed and community exhibition period will now commence from Monday, 24 February for a period of 28 days. To address an anticipated budget shortfall, a grant application has been submitted to the Australian Government's Active Transport Fund.
Council will continue to provide updates to the community across our digital and print channels, and there will be opportunities for residents and stakeholders to provide feedback on designs via our www.yourhawksbury-yoursay.com.au website.
