What is the Metropolitan Greenspace Program?
The Metropolitan Greenspace Program (MGP), identified in the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036, is a key initiative for State and local governrnent to partner together to improve regionally-significant open space for recreational purposes. In this way the MGP program works to increase links between bushland, parks, waterways and centres.
Since 1990, the Metropolitan Greenspace Program has provided over $30 million to councils across the Metropolitan area through the Sydney Region Development Fund (SRDF). All 43 metropolitan councils are eligible to apply for grant funding. Annually, approximately $2.5 million is available, on a dollar-for-dollar matched funding basis.
The use of regionally-significant metropolitan open space in NSW has increased significantly, partially systematic of factors such as:
- Urban population growth and densification of urban areas;
- awareness of the health benefits of exercising;
- general improvements and investments in quality open space, through design and access;
- increased public expectations.
The Metropolitan Greenspace Program aims to support the delivery of high quality, regionally-significant open space and assists councils with the financial costs of:
- regionally-significant open space capital works; and
- regionally-significant open space planning and design.
In implementing the program, the Department of Planning works closely with local councils to plan, coordinate and improve regionally significant open space, which may include parks, trails and reserves. In recent years, the program has developed a strong focus towards the implementation of the Regional Recreational Trails Framework.
Metropolitan Greenspace Program Core Objectives and 2011 Focus
- To improve regionally significant open space including links between bushland, parks, centers and waterways.
- To enable more effective public use of regionally significant open space.
- To promote planning and improve access to a diverse mix of open space opportunities for Sydney's community.
- To promote partnerships between State and local governments (including council-to-council).
- To support projects which demonstrate a commitment to the design and future management of open space including improved outcomes for health, sustainability, climate change and the community.
2010 Successful Projects
The Minister for Planning announced 26 successful projects in the latest round of funding. Nearly $2.5 million was granted for open space and regional trail projects across Sydney. These projects will provide locals and visitors alike with a range of new facilities and improved access at some of the city’s most valuable open space and recreational areas.
A map outlining the location of successful projects is available here.
Award-winning MGP project
City of Sydney Council and JMD Design have jointly been awarded the 2010 NSW Planning Minister’s Sydney Greenspace Award for the innovative design behind the North Western Precinct of Sydney Park at St Peters. The project is a model for innovative open space design, with a specific focus towards accommodating people of all abilities. The NSW Government awarded City of Sydney Council a grant of $125,000 to complete aspects of the project in 2005.
When and how to apply…and where to get more information.
Applications for the 2011 funding round will open on 28 February 2011. Applicants need to complete a 2011 application form, following consideration of the 2011 Guidelines. Further information on the Metropolitan Greenspace Program (in particular the application process) can be obtained by attending the annual workshop. Please contact the MGP Management Team for further information on this event.
Ongoing projects
The standard reporting format is the Progress Report. This is a template for reporting to the Department on the status of projects and is to accompany all claims for grant payments. If making a claim for funding it is important that councils attach to the progress report evidence to illustrate completion or progress that allow for the prudent approval of invoices. In the case of capital works based funding, photographs are suitable, whilst in the case of design-based funding, copies of consultant reports or plans should be attached. Invoices, progress reports and should be sent to greenspace@planning.nsw.gov.au
Further inquiries
For further information, please contact: greenspace@planning.nsw.gov.au or alternatively please contact the MGP Management team on (02) 9228 6243.