$22 million for Western Sydney Parklands

8 June 2009

Premier Nathan Rees today announced an additional $22 million to further improve facilities at Western Sydney Parklands - one of the largest urban parklands of its type in the world.

The 5,280 hectare Western Sydney Parklands is approximately 25 times the size of Centennial Park and spans three local government areas - Blacktown, Fairfield and Liverpool.

“This is a park that will become the jewel in the crown of Western Sydney,” Premier Rees said.

“Our investment is about ensuring the families of Western Sydney have a world class park - one they are proud to call their own and one they will want to use every day.”

Covering 27 km from Quakers Hill to Leppington the park contains recreation areas, ovals, playgrounds, green space, walking tracks, cycle ways and native bushland.

“Western Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions,” Premier Rees said.

“That is why it is so crucial we ensure kids, families and future generations have access to and can enjoy a landmark park and native bushland in their own backyard.”

The $22 million investment - which is expected to create around 60 local construction jobs a year over four years - will see:

• $10 million for improvements throughout the park - including new cycle and walking loops with links to current tracks, upgrade of playing fields and improvements to recreational facilities;
• $5 million to revamp and extend Pimelea Picnic Grounds in Abbotsbury - including new BBQ and picnic facilities, shade areas, carparking and new children’s playground;
• $5 million to construct Environmental education facilities for school groups and extend cycling and walking tracks at Greenway Views in West Hoxton and elsewhere in the parklands in Liverpool;
• $2 million to improve facilities at the Dairy in Fairfield.

In 2008 the NSW Government established the Western Sydney Parklands Trust to provide the long term guidance and management structure for the Parklands.

On top of the additional $22 million there is a $3.5 million stage one capital works program already underway at Western Sydney Parklands which includes $1.3 million on Doonside Park - new walking track and cross-country cycle track and off leash dog area.

The NSW Government has also begun a 3-year program to protect and expand on the Cumberland Plain Woodland area to provide space for native birds and other native wildlife.