Arts, sport, community facilities in $21m boost

Wollondilly Shire’s share of the WestInvest Fund will go towards the provision of better arts, sport and community facilities.

NSW treasurer Matt Kean was in Picton this morning to announce that the nine local projects below would share in $21 million under the program.

• $5.2 million for the Dudley Chesham Masterplan 1^st Stageproject to deliver a multiuse community facility to replace the existing sportsground complex
• $3.5 million towards the $22.3 million Wollondilly Community Cultural and Civic Precinct Performing Arts Centreproject for an enhanced auditorium fit out
• $3.5 million for the Thirlmere Hall Refurbishmentproject to transform the non-operational Thirlmere Hall into a new community hall
• $2.7 million for the Footpath and Shared Path Programto upgrade multiple paths across six communities to create safer and more accessible links
• $1.8 million for the Appin Park Community Spaceproject to transform an existing single use facility into a multifunctional space
• $1.7 million for the Renew and Upgrade Oakdale Hallproject to deliver a new accessible community facility
• $1.4 million for the Warragamba Netball Courtsprojectfor four new netball courts in the Waterboard Oval sporting precinct
• $1 million for the Railside Ave Main Street Upgrade in Bargo project to design and construct a roadside parking and travel rest location
• $500,000 for The Oaks Hallproject to refurbish the existing facility to deliver an important community hub.

The Liberal MP for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said the WestInvest Fund allocation will totally transform the shire through investment in open spaces, sporting venues, community halls and performance centres.

“The NSW Liberal Nationals Government is making Wollondilly a better place to live,” Mr Smith said.

Mayor Matt Gould said thanks to the WestInvest funding, the council can undertake important projects that will enhance Wollondilly’s historic townships and villages.

“This significant investment will help strengthen our communities through upgrading community halls, renewing community facilities and constructing key connecting footpaths,” Cr Gould said.

 “This is exactly what our community needs to help increase its sense of connection and encourage positive health and wellbeing.”

 The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the government’s WestConnex asset recycling strategy.