New dedicated walking tracks and pedestrian and cycling links connecting towns in the Blue Mountains are among the latest projects funded through the Local Council projects announced as part of the $5 billion WestInvest Fund.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman announced more than $9 million in funding to the Blue Mountains City Council for three projects, which will deliver transformational infrastructure to shape the future of Western Sydney.
The $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants includes $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas in West and South West Sydney, with funding shares based on population size.
Projects funded in the Blue Mountains include:
- $3.5 million for the Lomatia Park Clubhouse and Amenities Upgrade project to replace an ageing building with a new fit for purpose facility to improve access to sport and recreation.
- $3.2 million for the Active Transport Links – The Greater Blue Mountains Trail to deliver 4.5km of walking and cycling tracks to connect key towns in the Blue Mountains.
- $2.4 million towards the spectacular 20km multi-day Grand Cliff Top Walk project, delivering improved and accessible walking tracks, visitor parking, amenities and open space infrastructure at Gordon Falls Reserves.
The Blue Mountains City Council has provided a total of $179,752 in funding towards the Grand Cliff Top Walk project and the Lomatia Park Clubhouse project.
Mr Perrottet said these projects will make it easier for the community and visitors to explore the beautiful natural assets in the Blue Mountains and build a brighter future for people of Western Sydney.
"The Active Transport Links – The Greater Blue Mountains Trail project will deliver more than 4.5km of safe walking and cycling tracks creating better connections between key destinations in Glenbrook, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Woodford and between Wentworth Falls and Leura for the first time," Mr Perrottet said.
"This record investment in Western Sydney has been made possible by of our successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy, with communities across the region now benefitting from new major investments that will deliver better local facilities, open spaces and convenient services all closer to home for families, businesses and residents."
Mr Kean said the WestInvest funding for the Grand Cliff Top walk project will build on the work being undertaken by the NSW Government and the Blue Mountains City Council to deliver key sections of the new 20km, two day walk.
"The Grand Cliff Top Walk, which is well underway thanks to joint funding from NSW National Parks and Wildlife along with Blue Mountains City Council, is the first substantial new walking track in the Blue Mountains in more than 70 years," Mr Kean said.
Minister Tuckerman said the projects funded in the Blue Mountains align with the feedback from the WestInvest Have Your Say survey.
"The projects put forward by Blue Mountains City Council will conserve and enhance the environmental, economic, social and physical wellbeing of the community and is consistent with the feedback from the WestInvest Have Your Say survey."
The Blue Mountains City Council was allocated 23 million through the Local Government Allocation. Additional projects submitted by council for the combined value of $13.5 million are being assessed and will be funded if they meet all requirements under the WestInvest Guidelines. Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon.
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government's successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups. Successful projects will be announced from December.
A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects led by NSW Government agencies. These projects are expected to be announced later this year.
