Vibrant, green and creative precincts
Vibrant and green streetscapes and spaces can help create a better place to live and work. They can improve physical and mental health, increase urban amenity, enhance local property values and provide places for our unique plants and animals to live. Sporting and cultural institutions and infrastructure play a critical role in the State's economy, from skills development and job creation to attracting tourism. Maximising our investment in Western Sydney will further the city's role as a world-class centre for sporting events and cultural visitation, and put Western Sydney on the map as a cultural capital.
Key investments and initiatives recognised in this Budget include:
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$246.1 million in 2022-23 for the new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta and expansion of the Museum Discovery Centre in Castle Hill.
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$26.4 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $53.8 million project over three years) for early works on heritage assets at Parramatta North, including site-wide enabling infrastructure, critical conservation, and activation of 11 heritage buildings and 3 open spaces.
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$15.0 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $38.4 million project) to continue the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan to acquire the first stage of the Georges River Koala Reserve, and for installation of koala-exclusion fencing to protect koalas from urban encroachment.
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$11.1 million in 2022-23 (as part of a $81.4 million project) to continue capital works and maintenance of Stadium Australia at Sydney Olympic Park.
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$10.0 million over two years to support local councils and community organisations to host cultural festivals and events focused in Western Sydney and the six cities.
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$9.5 million in 2022-23 ($78.3 million over 10 years) to improve pathways and park facilities at Western Sydney Parklands.
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$5.0 million in 2022-23 to Venues NSW to develop a final business case for an operable roof at Stadium Australia.
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Funding towards the Rugby League Centre of Excellence at Kellyville Memorial Park to provide training and community sports facilities and support the development of male and female players. This is part of a $113.0 million investment towards Rugby League Centres of Excellence in New South Wales.
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Redevelopment of Penrith Stadium. This will turn it into a world-class suburban sport, entertainment and community venue.
The NSW Government has also committed funding to support free general admission to Sydney Living Museums for the next 12 months, including its Western Sydney sites, to make arts and culture accessible to all.
