Category: NSW News

A new scheme to help people find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence offences will be launched across New South Wales by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

The Right To Ask Scheme will provide the opportunity for NSW police to disclose information to a person who is a potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s previous abusive or violent offending.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the proposed scheme would be based on the UK’s Clare’s Law and would empower people at risk of domestic violence to make informed decisions about their relationships.

“There are simply too many heartbreaking stories of women and men being seriously hurt or murdered in circumstances where the perpetrators had a history of prior domestic and violent criminal offences that they didn’t know about,” Mr Perrottet said.

“None of us want to see a loved one scarred by domestic violence and wishing they’d known their partner’s history sooner.

“We cannot continue to have women being killed in our community so we need to have new approaches, new thinking and new policies to back up our record domestic violence support funding.

“This is not the only solution to the growing domestic violence issue facing our state and many communities across Australia but if it saves one life then it will have been worth it.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said NSW was the first state in Australia to trial a domestic violence disclosure scheme in 2016.

“The dating landscape has shifted considerably since then with more and more people accessing dating apps and dating outside known friendship circles,” Mr Toole said.

“We want to take the lessons from the experience in NSW and other jurisdictions around the world to develop this scheme with input from safety advocates that empowers people who may be at risk of domestic violence.    

“This is an opportunity to help people go into relationships with their eyes wide open. It will allow them to make more informed decisions about continuing a relationship, moving in with someone or making them a part of their family, particularly where children are involved.” 

The new scheme will be designed with input from domestic violence organisations. It will enable a person who may be at risk to apply through an online portal or phone line to access information about their partner and be accessible in multiple languages.

NSW Police will approve any information before it is provided, with strict privacy controls in place including criminal penalties for malicious applications.

The service would also facilitate a referral to domestic violence support services where required. 

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said there was no single solution to addressing domestic violence.

“Our priority is to protect a woman’s right to be safe in a relationship which is why the Liberal and Nationals Government has committed record funding to prevention and support,” Mrs Ward said.  

“We’ve also passed affirmative consent legislation, outlawed coercive control and expanded our primary prevention campaign Make No Doubt because we are addressing domestic violence at all stages.”

The scheme will be reviewed following 12 months of operation.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has a proud record of initiatives and investment to support Women’s safety including:

· $426.6 million to expand the Core and Cluster initiative, to deliver and operate new women’s refuges that will support up to an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year. This is the largest funding commitment ever made to the domestic violence sector.

· There have already been 39 new refuges announced as part of this program. This is on top of the 86 government refuges currently operating.

· Doubled Domestic and Family Violence leave for NSW Government sector employees from 10 to 20 days.

· Landmark laws to criminalise coercive control in intimate partner relationships and nation-leading affirmative consent, with the new laws commencing on 1 June this year.

· Introduced five new jury directions to address common misconceptions about consent at the same time releasing state-wide plans to address domestic, family and sexual violence that will respond to and align with the National Plan.

· Banned self-represented people accused of domestic violence in criminal and related proceedings from directly cross-examining domestic violence complainants.

Thousands of nurses, teachers and police officers have registered their interest in buying their first home with as little as a 2 per cent deposit under the NSW Government’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper which launches today.

Key worker first-home buyers, including nurses, midwives, paramedics, police officers, teachers and early childhood educators, can apply. Single parents and singles older than 50 can also apply, even if they have previously owned property.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Liberal Nationals Government would contribute up to 40 per cent for a new home or up to 30 per cent for an existing home bought by eligible home buyers with a minimum deposit of 2 per cent.

“Today is a great day for single parents, singles older than 50 and first home-buyer key workers who have been struggling to break into the market and buy their own home to live in,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It’s exciting to see the interest we’ve already received and to know that this initiative will help make the dream of home ownership a reality for thousands more people across this state.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $780 million shared equity initiative was part of a broader $2.8 billion housing package.

“Just like First Home Buyer Choice, Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper is a pathway forward for eligible home buyers who have been working to save a deposit but buying their own home has remained out of reach,” Mr Kean said.

“Smaller deposits, no lenders mortgage insurance and no interest on the Government’s equity share means this initiative is a great option for eligible singles and key workers who no longer want to rent and prefer the security of home ownership.”

Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said those interested should check the online self-assessment tool to see if they’re eligible for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper.

“If the online tool says you’re eligible, you’ll be directed to contact Bendigo Bank to apply for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper. Revenue NSW will be administering the program on behalf of the NSW Government,” Mr Roberts said.

“Through your application the lender will let you know how much you can borrow and confirm your place in the initiative and then you can make an offer to buy your own home to live in.”

Bendigo Bank is the launch lending partner for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper. Other lenders will have the opportunity to join the initiative this year, which will provide eligible home buyers with an additional choice of lenders.

Bendigo Bank has already received 3,500 enquiries for further information and is working through pre-approval applications. From today, eligible participants will have their applications assessed by Revenue NSW.

Under the NSW Government’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper:

· Up to 3,000 places will be available each year for two years

· Key worker first-home buyers who are nurses, midwives, paramedics, police officers, teachers and early childhood educators can apply.

· Singles over 50 and single parents with a dependent child or children can apply even if they have previously owned a property.

· Participants must have a maximum gross income of $90,000 for singles and $120,000 for couples

· Participants must have a minimum deposit of 2 per cent of the purchase price

· The Government will make a maximum equity contribution of 40 per cent for a new home and 30 per cent for an established home

· The maximum value of the property that can be purchased is $950,000 in Sydney and regional centres including the Central Coast, Illawarra, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the North Coast of NSW, and $600,000 in other parts of NSW.

To find out if you are eligible and apply go to: nsw.gov.au/shared-equity

Bike riding in and around the Sydney CBD will become much easier and safer for thousands of commuters thanks to a Liberals and Nationals Government commitment to build missing links in the King St and Oxford St cycleways.

Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes said the completion of the King St cycleway between Clarence St and Pitt St and the Oxford St East cycleway between Paddington Gates and Taylor Square were eagerly anticipated projects that will transform the way people move around the CBD and surrounding areas. 

“Bike lanes create opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy happier and healthier lives while reducing congestion and saving money, which is why we’re committed to building more of them right across NSW,” Mr Stokes said.

“These crucial connections are the final missing links in major bike routes linking to the city. The King St cycleway will connect riders from the Anzac and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while Oxford St East will connect riders from Bondi and beyond.

“A growing number of riders are using dedicated bike lanes in the CBD, with counters showing more than 50,000 riders using Liverpool St this month alone, 45 per cent higher than the last.

The King St missing link is due for completion in 2023 and planning work on Oxford St East is expected be complete by 2023. This is in addition to a new permanent, separated bike lane  set for construction along Oxford and Liverpool St, providing a critical link between Taylor Square and the CBD.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said building cycleways created a safer road environment for pedestrians and road users alike.

“Having a better connected network of cycleways is great for our city because it gives people another safe transport option,” Ms Moore said.

“Active commuting can help improve health while freeing up space on our roads and public transport, and creating separated bike lanes means fewer people riding on pedestrian footpaths.

“King St and Oxford St are integral links in our cycleway network. There are more riders on these routes than anywhere in the city but there are also more crashes, so it’s important we improve the infrastructure to ensure anyone who chooses to ride can do so safely.”

The concept design for the King St cycleway is currently underway and the feedback is invited from 23 January to 6 February 2023. An interactive map for the Oxford St East cycleway is currently live online and the community is invited to provide feedback from 23 January until 28 February 2023.

The projects align with the recently released Active Transport Strategy, which aims to double the number of active transport trips and deliver 1000km of connected cycleways.

To provide feedback on the King Street cycleway click here. To view the interactive map and provide feedback on the Oxford Street East cycleway click here.

The NSW Government has appointed a consortium including one of Australia’s leading community housing providers, Bridge Housing, and national infrastructure developer Capella Capital, to deliver the $230 million renewal of Elizabeth Street, Redfern.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the development will see around 300 new homes built, including over 100 social housing dwellings and a new 3,500 square metre community facility.

“We’re transforming Sydney’s inner city to deliver multiple benefits to the local community, including much-needed new housing close to jobs, public transport and open space,” Mr Roberts said.

“Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) is proud to be partnering with Bridge Housing and Capella Capital on this project, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to working with the community housing sector to leverage private capital and expertise that delivers a diverse mix of housing and benefits for the Redfern-Waterloo community.”

The proposed development is located opposite Redfern Oval, walking distance to multiple train stations, and will feature a modern design and high-quality features, in line with the evolving look, feel and culture of the local area.

Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said in addition to more than 100 social homes, the project proposes a mix of housing including affordable homes, homes for key workers, disability support units and private homes.

“The new social homes to be delivered at Redfern will be used to accommodate local relocations from the planned renewal of the Waterloo Estate, supporting greater connection to Country for Aboriginal residents and the broader community,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

Bridge Housing CEO, Rebecca Pinkstone, said they were delighted to have been selected to bring the project to life as the project developer in collaboration with Capella Capital.

“The development will become a blueprint for how the community housing sector, working in partnership with government, institutional investors, commercial lenders and the private sector, can deliver social and affordable housing at scale,” Ms Pinkstone said.

“With thirty years’ experience in the delivery of quality housing and services, Bridge Housing is uniquely positioned to deliver affordable housing designed for the local community. The development will provide a template for how large-scale development can be undertaken to support a diverse and vibrant city.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2025, and will create over 700 jobs during the project, subject to planning approval.

For more information, please visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/land-and-housing-corporation/greater-sydney/redfern

Passenger services on the main western rail line in the Blue Mountains will resume tomorrow following last month’s freight train derailment.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the 3.49am service from Lithgow to Sydney will be the first passenger train through now that repairs to the track between Lawson and Linden have been completed.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government prioritised getting this line reopened before the end of school holidays, because we know how important it is for commuters and families to have reliable  train services  through the Blue Mountains,” Mr Toole said.

“Crews have put in a mammoth effort to get this line reopened, replacing 18.1 kilometres of damaged track, installing more than 15,000 new sleepers and 24,000 tonnes of ballast and replacing or repairing 92 pieces of signalling equipment.

“I thank local residents for their patience; their cooperation has allowed us to get the job done as quickly as possible.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains had to rebuild the entire damaged track in extremely difficult terrain, which required detailed planning and specialist engineering expertise.

“The Blue Mountains rail line is a critical freight corridor linking east with west,” Mr Farraway said.

“We worked closely with the freight industry during the repair period, opening the adjacent track to allow for diesel freight train movements across this critical supply chain.

“It’s great news that following the completion of repairs, full freight access will resume on the Blue Mountains line, as well as intercity and regional passenger train services.

“I’d like to thank our rail freight industry, passengers and the local community for their patience and understanding while the repairs were undertaken. I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism of the engineering and trackwork teams who completed the significant repairs to the rail corridor.”

THE MASSIVE RECOVERY TASK BY THE NUMBERS:

• Damage to infrastructure spanned about 10km, comprising broken rail and damaged and broken concrete sleepers, signaling equipment and electrical assets
• Removed and disposed of 15,000 concrete sleepers (which will be recycled)
• Removed and disposed of more than 18km of broken and damaged rail (which will be recycled)
• Removed 24,000 tonnes of spoil and ballast
• Removed 92 pieces of critical signaling equipment
• Installed 26,500 tonnes of new ballast to build and stabilise the ground the track, sleepers and rail
• Replaced more than 15,000 concrete sleepers, each weighing approximately 300kg, with the terrain requiring manual handling to position and align each sleeper
• Installed and clipped into position more than 18.1km of new rail
• Welded and adjusted more than 210 sections of rail to ensure alignment
• Installed 92 pieces of new critical signaling equipment
• Installed 1.1km of electrical leads
• Tested 16km of signaling infrastructure
• Inspected and adjusted more than 17km of overhead wiring
• More than 140 frontline staff worked each shift, with a total of 420 staff working within each 24-hour window
• More than 70 pieces of specialised machinery were used during each shift.

A high-tech multiuse facility that provides critical infrastructure to the artificial intelligence, Medtech, space, and robotics sectors is among four projects set to share in $8 million, as part of the NSW Government’s Tech Central Research and Innovation Infrastructure Fund.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the successful projects will provide specialised equipment and deliver collaborative programs with a focus on existing industry and research strengths across the Tech Central Innovation District which stretches from Surry Hills to Camperdown. 

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to translating our state’s incredible R&D capabilities into tangible outcomes that create new jobs and industries, which will grow the economy and help secure a brighter future for the people of NSW,” Mr Henskens said.

“Tech Central already boasts tech giant Atlassian as an anchor tenant, three world-leading universities, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and over 100 research institutes.

“Its status as a nation-leading centre of innovation and development will be enhanced by these projects, harnessing the power of local expertise to bring significant physical and digital infrastructure across its target industries and research areas, from the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and ARIA Research.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the Fund brings further innovation, R&D and industry talent to Tech Central that will complement existing tenants.

“The successful applicants will accelerate the development of Tech Central as a place where people will come together to innovate, collaborate and explore new markets,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.

“These projects, which also include a Vaccine and RNA Design Centre, have been chosen for their capacity to add to the already vibrant technological and innovative ecosystem, with the aim to realise their potential, commercialise and raise their profile locally and internationally.”

More information and full details about the successful recipients can be found online.

The country’s 25,000 frontline correctional staff, including more than 10,500 from NSW, are being celebrated today as part of the annual National Corrections Day.

The state’s custodial officers, Community Corrections staff, industries workers, psychologists and programs officers, Security and Intelligence, and administration staff are among those being acknowledged for the seventh year running.

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said National Corrections Day was an opportunity to applaud the vital work corrections staff do to rehabilitate offenders and keep the community safe.

“Today we rally around our exceptional Corrective Services NSW staff and give them a well-deserved pat on the back for keeping our prisons and communities safe while simultaneously working towards reducing re-offending,” Dr Lee said.

“CSNSW staff juggle a lot at once, including working face-to-face with offenders in custody and the community, collaborating with various units within corrections, and liaising and connecting with other government and non-government agencies too.

“It’s a tough job and I look forward to getting out to one of our state’s busiest prisons today, the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre, to personally congratulate staff and spend time with them on the ground on this special day.”

CSNSW Acting Commissioner Luke Grant applauded the efforts of staff across the organisation, thanking them for what can be a dangerous job at times.

“I’m incredibly proud of our staff – our multi-disciplinary team – who work together every day to ensure our correctional system remains one of the best in the world,” Mr Grant says.

“Corrections staff don’t get enough recognition, so being able to publicly recognise them today is an honour. I hope National Corrections Day gives the entire workforce a morale boost and helps them to know how appreciated they are,” Mr Grant said.

Corrections Day was established by CSNSW in 2017 before it was adopted nationally and by New Zealand in 2018. The day will be marked across NSW with workplace morning tea, barbecues, and awards ceremonies.

The Moruya community will benefit from expanded emergency treatment and care services with treatment spaces more than doubled at the Moruya Hospital Emergency Department (ED), following investment from the Liberal and Nationals Government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet officially opened the new ED today, which will ensure a seamless transition for staff into the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

“Our strong economic record has enabled long term commitments to boost healthcare services across regional NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Growing the capacity of the emergency department in Moruya is key to ensuring we provide the community with high-level emergency health care now and into the future.

“This emergency department will be crucial in preparing the local workforce for the expanded services that will be offered at the brand new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, with construction set to be completed in 2025.

The new ED includes additional resuscitation and consulting spaces for patients as well as a new undercover vehicle ambulance bay.

Upgrade works have also included an enhanced Close Observation Unit which will provide 24 hour specialist supervision and care for patients with complex medical, or surgical needs. 

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the community can expect to see early works begin on the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in coming weeks, including Aboriginal archaeological works.

“The Liberals and Nationals in Government know how important health care is in the regions, and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will not only change lives, but save lives,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Today is an exciting day for the region, and will ensure the health needs of the people of the entire Eurobodalla community from Narooma to Batemans Bay are met while work continues on delivering the new hospital.”

The expanded Moruya ED is part of the $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital redevelopment which will deliver a sustainable, modern and purpose-built hospital.

The Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be built to accommodate a Level 4 health facility including:

· Emergency Department

· Eight bed Intensive Care / Close Observation Unit

· Increased capacity for chemotherapy and increased access to renal dialysis

· Surgical and operating theatres and a day stay surgical unit

· Expanded medical imaging department, including MRI service

· Ambulatory care for community and outpatient services

· Paediatric and maternity beds, and a special care nursery

· Mental health beds for short term admission

· Enhanced education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory.

Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.

Since 2011, the government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas. This includes the new South East Regional Hospital at Bega, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.

The NSW Government is investing $4.5 billion to recruit 10,148 full time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across the state over the next four years, as part of the 2022-23 Budget, with 3,800 of those positions in rural and regional areas.

The NSW Government is also incentivising hard-to-fill, critical roles in hospitals and health facilities with an $883 million investment targeted at recruiting and retaining staff in regional, rural and remote areas.   

Parents of primary school-aged children are encouraged to download the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $500 Before and After School Care (BASC) voucher by 31 January 2023. 

The NSW Government’s $155 million BASC Voucher Program helps families with household budget pressures, and more than 305,000 vouchers have already been downloaded by parents. Of these, more than 219,000 have been redeemed at a BASC service to help families with the cost of care. Parents have until 30 June 2023 to redeem BASC vouchers at a participating service.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the $500 BASC vouchers are one of the ways the Liberal and Nationals Government are supporting NSW families to juggle work and family responsibilities.  

“We know the Before and After School Care vouchers help to ease financial pressures and give parents and carers increased flexibility with their work commitments,” Mr Kean said. 

“Supporting working families is a priority of this government, with more than 70 rebates and vouchers available putting money back in the household budget.”  

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell encouraged parents to download the $500 voucher before they close at the end of the month. 

“Families with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can access the voucher – but with the deadline of 31 January 2023 fast approaching, time is running out to enjoy those savings!” Ms Mitchell said.  

“Before and after school care services are an essential part of our school communities, providing working families with a range of options for their child to have a safe place to learn, play and socialise. 

“Once downloaded, parents can use these vouchers up until 30 June 2023, allowing families to take advantage of both before and after school care and vacation care in the coming months.” 

The Before and After School Voucher Program is delivered in partnership with Service NSW.  

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Victor Dominello said BASC vouchers are easy to download and can be redeemed at their local participating BASC Service. 

“I encourage all parents and carers with children enrolled in Before and After School Care to jump on the Service NSW app or website to claim their vouchers before the start of the new school year,” Mr Dominello said.

“The process of redeeming the vouchers is very simple and a list of participating BASC providers is available on the Service NSW website.”

Customers can register and apply online via a MyService NSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre. 

To apply or find out more information about BASC vouchers, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher 

Communities in north western Sydney will reap the rewards from local infrastructure projects including new pools, parks, sports fields, cycling and walking tracks funded through the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced funding for local councils and community groups in Blacktown, Hawkesbury and The Hills to deliver 21 transformational WestInvestprojects that will change the face of Western Sydney and help secure a brighter future for local communities.

The projects are the first to be announced through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round, with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 21 projects, worth more than $400 million, include:

· Four new and upgraded swimming centresin Blacktown and Hawkesbury LGAs to provide residents with a heat refuge in the summer months and a place for exercise and relaxation all year round, including:

o    $40.6 million for the Blacktown City Council for the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Renewal project

o    $77.2 million for the for the Blacktown City Council to deliver the Blacktown Aquatic Centre Masterplan project

o    $30.3 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the redevelopment of Richmond Swimming Centre project

o    $6.7 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the Oasis Aquatic and Leisure Centre Improvements project

· $25.4 million for Blacktown City Council for the PCYC Mount Druitt Police and Community Youth Centre– a first-class sporting and community hub to support at-risk youth through education, training and mentoring

· $19.5 millionfor Blacktown City Council for a new First Nation’s Cultural Centre in Mount Druitt,the heart of one of Australia’s largest communities of First Nations people, to strengthen connections to Country

· Funding for community groups including $44 million for the YMCA NSW and $1.6 million for the Scout Association of Australia NSWtobuild community facilities that provide exciting programs for young people and families

· $4.7 million for Hawkesbury City Council to deliver a new Cycleway Bridge over Rickabys Creek in Windsor to complete a continuous path of travel for cyclists and pedestrians between Richmond and Windsor town centres

· $5 million in funding for Autism Spectrum Australia towards a brand-new, two storey autism specific primary school in the Box Hill education precinct to support students who struggle to attend a mainstream or other special needs school due to their disability

· $23.9 million for Hawkesbury City Council to help deliver the North Richmond Community Precinct with a library, indoor sports stadium and performing arts studios to act as a meeting and cultural space, social and recreational hub, and much-needed fit-for-purpose emergency evacuation centre

· Funding for new playgrounds and open spaces including more than $600,000 for the Hills Community Aid and Information Services to deliver the Balcombe Heights Estate Centenary Sensory Gardenwhich will provide an inclusive space for relaxation and passive recreation for all ages and abilities, including people with special needs

· $4.6 million for Hills Shire Council to deliver The Castle Hill Showground – Pedestrian Bridge project to construct a new pedestrian and cycling bridge crossing Showground Road from Castle Hill Showground to Fred Caterson Reserve

Mr Perrottet said the projects funded will change the face of the Western Sydney community.

“This is all thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest program is made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy,” Mr Perrotett said.

“Our strong economic record has enabled long term commitments to Western Sydney.

“WestInvest is delivering three projects in Mount Druitt that form part of broader revamp of the area including a new aquatic centre, a first nations centre and a community youth centre to the value of more than $85 million.”

Mr Kean said while Western Sydney is already an incredible place to live, the WestInvest projects announced today will deliver new and improved facilities, more open spaces and help connect communities for generations to come.

“These WestInvest projects vary in size and scale, offer something for everyone and provide the opportunity to learn, gather, exercise, support each other and connect communities,” Mr Kean said.

“These community facilities will improve liveability across our suburbs and I’m looking forward to seeing shovels in the ground as these projects come to life.”

More than 680 applicants submitted a WestInvest application to the value of more than $7.9 billion. The successful projects were announced after a comprehensive assessment process outlined in the WestInvest Community Project Grant Guidelines. All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a 1:1 feedback session.

The projects announced today are in addition to the 68 projects announced by the NSW Government late last year through the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation that allocated more than $400 million to 15 eligible local councils to deliver transformational infrastructure projects.

Click here to view images of some of the successful projects that will be delivered in the Blacktown LGA as part of the WestInvest Community Competitive Round.

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest