Communities will have access to more green open spaces and playgrounds, as part of the State Government’s commitment to improving the liveability of NSW.
As part of the 2018-19 Budget, $157.5 million will support recently announced initiatives to secure strategic open space, create and upgrade play spaces, and increase the tree canopy across Sydney, as part of the Five Million Trees for Greater Sydney program.
Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts said the funding of these projects will support the NSW Government’s recent announcement of the Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package.
“The funding that has been dedicated in this year’s Budget will enable land to be identified and purchased for public open space,” Mr Roberts said.
“This comes after recent strategic land purchases by the NSW Government including 16 hectares of land in West Hoxton that comprises the critically endangered ecological community Cumberland Plain Woodland, which is to be dedicated open space as an extension to the Western Sydney Parklands.
“Funding will also go towards the Everyone Can Play in NSW program that will fund Councils by way of grants to renew, renovate or build more than 200 playgrounds.
“The NSW Government will plant more than 380,000 trees every year until 2030, as part of the 'Five Million Trees for Greater Sydney' program, that will more than double the tree canopy in Sydney from 16.8 per cent at present to a target 40 per cent.”
The Government has also committed to investing $1.4 billion over the next four years to help build essential local infrastructure and support growing communities.
Announced as part of the 2018-19 Budget, $235 million will be delivered this financial year, for infrastructure to support new housing.
Mr Roberts said funding in this year’s Budget and in the years to come will be vital in providing infrastructure needed for growing communities.
“The funding dedicated in this year’s budget will help provide essential infrastructure to support development in the areas where it is needed,” Mr Roberts said. BUDGET.NSW.GOV.AU
“This funding will provide for vital infrastructure such as roads, transport, parks, cycle and walkways, and drainage.
“As Sydney grows, it’s essential we back it up with targeted infrastructure development to ensure that our communities remain liveable.”