A new state of the art sport and health centre of excellence in Leumeah, a huge new sports precinct in Leppington and new Olympic sized swimming pools are among the latest sporting projects funded through the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Sport Alister Henskens today announced more than $309.6 million in funding for local councils and community groups in the Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly LGAs to deliver 14 new and upgraded sports facilities across Western Sydney.
This is in addition to the 15 sports projects announced yesterday, taking the total investment in new sporting facilities through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round to more than $626 million for 29 projects.
The projects announced today include:
· $52.4 million for the Burwood Council to redevelop the Enfield Aquatic Centre at Enfield including a new 50 metre pool to support swimmers
· $53.4 million for the Liverpool Council to deliver the Carnes Hill Aquatic & Leisure Centre which will upgrade the centre with new 50 metre pool and other amenities
· $21.3 million for Camden Council to deliver open space in Leppington, with three sports fields, three tennis courts, a multipurpose court and three local parks
· $19.1 million for Penrith City Council to upgrade Cook Park Precinct in St Marys to improve access for district level sports;
· $16.7 million for Campbelltown City Council to deliver the Sport and Health Centre of Excellence at Leumeah, in partnership with Western Sydney University, the Macarthur Bulls, Wests Tigers and the South-West Sydney Academy of Sport;
· $5.2 million for Wollondilly Shire Council to upgrade the Waterboard Oval in Warragamba with new and improved facilities to accommodate soccer, cricket, AFL and various court sports.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the projects funded through WestInvest include upgrades to ovals and change rooms to support the increasing number of women in sports and a new centre of excellence to support our elite athletes.
“We want to encourage the growth in women in sport by ensuring we have appropriate change rooms and training facilities, as well as inspiring places to pursue a diverse range of sports,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This WestInvest funding will help drive women’s participation from the grassroots to the elite level, thanks to the long-term economic plan of the Liberal and Nationals Government.
“The new Sport and Health Centre of Excellence at Leumeah will also go a long way to supporting local talent development pathways for athletes into elite sport through specialised science and research programs.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding will boost sports facilities right across Western Sydney, enabling more people to stay active and keep fit.
“No matter where you live, you should have access to state-of-the-art sporting facilities and WestInvest is delivering for Western Sydney,” Mr Kean said.
“This funding will provide greater opportunities for the community to train and play in any weather on any day and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the WestInvest funding for the open space project in Leppington will deliver essential green and open spaces to encourage health and well-being in one of Western Sydney’s fastest growing suburbs.
“This WestInvest funding will go towards three A-grade sports fields, three tennis-courts, a multipurpose court as well as play areas and amenities,” Mr Henskens said.
“Regardless of age, ability or the sport you play, this investment will deliver critical sport infrastructure and green space that will promote participation and ensure anyone who wants to serve an ace, shoot a hoop, or kick a ball can do so in a safe environment.”
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest.