Blacktown and The Hills will benefit from new sports fields and courts, more green space, and better transport connections thanks to the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
Fourteen projects will share in more than $145 million through the fund – $75.9 million from the NSW Government and $70 million from Blacktown City and Hills Shire Council’s local contributions – to help unlock new residential, commercial and industrial development in North West Sydney.
Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the funding will help to deliver local infrastructure projects faster, with construction to start within six months.
“This funding is great news for our growing local community and will ensure that when people move into a new house here, they’re also moving into a fully supported new community,” Mr Conolly said.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the fund will help the councils unlock developer contributions and leverage the State’s investment to accelerate the delivery of community infrastructure.
“The AIF will help to close the gap between local contributions and the actual cost of projects, to support the continued delivery of new homes and employment lands in North West Sydney,” Mr Stokes said.
“This is a great example of State and Local Government working together to accelerate projects that stimulate the economy and create jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Some of the projects to receive funding include:
- upgrading Hezlett Road to four lanes and improving intersections with Curtis Road and Gum Nut Close;
- delivering a multi-purpose sporting and recreational facility at Balmoral Road Reserve, including four multi‐purpose fields, two cricket ovals, six tennis courts, playground, and picnic areas;
- upgrading the Loftus Street and Windsor Road intersection in Riverstone;
- a new regional sports park at Schofields, including cricket and soccer playing fields,playgrounds and amenities with integrated stormwater infrastructure; and
- upgrading Glengarrie Road in Marsden Park.
Mayor of Blacktown City Council Tony Bleasdale OAM said the funding was welcome news for the area.
“It is now widely understood at all levels of government that the whole North West Growth Area needs a huge injection of funds for public infrastructure such as community centres, pools, libraries, parking, transport, schools and hospitals,” Mr Bleasedale said.
“This funding enables our Council to deliver vital works more quickly, and better manage project budgets to ensure high quality project delivery.”
Mayor of Hills Shire Council Dr Michelle Byrne congratulated the NSW Government for enabling Council to bring forward important community projects, while creating vital construction jobs.
“We are delighted to deliver these priority projects that will provide much-needed new sport and recreation spaces for our community, as well as road improvements catering for our future transport needs,” Dr Byrne said.
To support the construction sector, existing local contributions caps of $50,000 in both the Hills and Blacktown LGA’s – due to end on 30 June – will be continued through to 31 December 2020.
Projects were reviewed and selected by an inter-agency assessment panel with advice from an independent engineering and economic consultancy.
