More parks and better community infrastructure and facilities are the top ideas submitted on how to improve livability in West and South West Sydney under the WestInvest Have Your Say survey.
The NSW Government today released the results and encouraged eligible groups in West and South West Sydney to lodge a Registration of Interest for funding before the deadline of 21 April 2022.
Treasurer Matt Kean said more than 5400 people submitted ideas to the Have Your say survey, which will help inform the assessment of projects submitted for the city-changing program.
“We launched WestInvest to help secure a brighter future for people in West and South West Sydney. Key to that is listening to what the people in that region need,” Mr Kean said.
“Residents have told us they want more green and open spaces for recreation and relaxation, better cultural facilities, cleaner waterways and much more. What’s exciting is we can deliver this through WestInvest and significantly change the face of Western Sydney.”
A review of eligible responses shows 35 per cent of people want more parks, urban and green space, followed by 24 per cent who listed enhancing community infrastructure as their priority.
Minister for Enterprise and Trade, and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres urged all eligible groups to submit a Registration of Interest by 6pm on Thursday, which will help determine eligibility before grants open for eight weeks from 2 May 2022 until 27 June 2022.
“The $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants program is driven by local people with local ideas,” Mr Ayres said.
“We have heard fantastic suggestions from the local Western Sydney community, including more walking and cycling paths, multicultural centers, museums celebrating food and culture and footbridges over cleaner rivers.”
Eligible projects must be based in one or more of 15 eligible west and southwest Sydney Local Government Areas and target one of the six focus areas:
- Parks, urban spaces, and green space;
- Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds;
- Modernising local schools;
- Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities;
- Revitalising high streets;
- Clearing local traffic.
Eligible community groups, sports groups, non-government organisations, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and more can register their interest for the funding.
Suggestions submitted during the Have Your Say survey will be shared with local councils and government agencies to help inform future planning in Western Sydney.
In addition to the $1.6 billion in grants for community projects, $400 million in non-competitive funding will be allocated directly to each of the 15 eligible local councils. All councils will be receiving a minimum of $20 million, with additional funding available on a pro-rata basis up to a maximum of $35 million per Council, (based on population size) to secure community benefits by expediting local projects.
A further $3 billion is available to NSW Government agencies to deliver transformational projects that are ready to go and will benefit local communities.
Surveys and ideas put forward through the ‘Have your Say’ process were for consultation purposes only and do not form part of a formal application under the WestInvest Program.
To find out more about WestInvest and how your organisation can apply and to access application support, visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest
