Blue Mountains City Council secures $18.7 million City Deal funding

Community infrastructure and public spaces across the Blue Mountains will receive a boost, with the announcement of successful projects under Round 1 of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, part of the Western Sydney City Deal.

Blue Mountains City Council received $18.7 million for the six key projects nominated for funding. Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “The Western Sydney City Deal offers a unique opportunity for significant investment in Blue Mountains infrastructure that meets community needs – now and in the future.”

The Liveability Program is one of six pillars of the Western Sydney City Deal and will deliver improved community facilities and public spaces, and enhance liveability across eight western Sydney councils – Blue Mountains, Wollondilly, Penrith, Fairfield, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Camden.

Each of the projects will be co-funded by the three levels of government. The Australian and NSW governments are each contributing $60 million to the program. Councils are providing a further $50 million under this round taking the total Program investment beyond the $150 million initially committed.

“The projects will create more liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods”, said the Mayor. “The funding will be allocated to multiple projects across the City that will make it easier for everyone in the community, and visitors, to access bushland, town centres, parks, pools and playgrounds. An upgrade of the library and cultural facilities in Springwood is also funded.”

Council’s Liveability program projects include:

improvements to parks in Glenbrook, Springwood, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath improvements to recreation and natural area facilities on the Scenic Eastern Escarpment bushland restoration work and recreation area at the former Lawson Golf Course inclusive program pool with water play features at Katoomba Aquatic Centre town centre rejuvenation works at Springwood and Blackheath redevelopment of the Cultural and Library Facility at Springwood

“As a City within a World Heritage National Park, the Blue Mountains is an important part of the Western Parkland City”, the Mayor said. Work will commence this year on projects approved under Round 1 of the Liveability Fund. Council will seek community feedback on the projects and progressively deliver the projects over the coming 3.5 years.

The Mayor said, “Importantly, the Western Sydney City Deal recognises the Council’s ongoing opposition to Western Sydney Airport.

“We have made it clear that our position is different to the Australian and State governments and many councils.

The Western Sydney City Deal is a 20 year-agreement between Australian and NSW governments, and the eight local Councils of the Western Parkland City that represents a fundamental opportunity to deliver transformative change to the region.

A second round of the Liveability Program is expected to take place later in 2019.

Photo: Council has successfully received $18.7 million under the Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Program. Deputy Mayor, Cr Chris Van der Kley showcases the BMCC projects to Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, and NSW Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayers at the funding announcement at Regatta Park in Penrith today.