Funding programs
The Metropolitan Greenspace Program (MGP) has been identified in the Government's City of Cities plan for Sydney's future as a key initiative for improving links between bushland, parks, waterways and centres.
In implementing the program, the Department of Planning works closely with local councils to plan and improve regionally significant greenspace, including parks, trails and reserves.
Consultation undertaken on behalf of the NSW Government in 2004–05 identified a strong community desire for parks and trails as places to enjoy a healthy, outdoor lifestyle and, as such, the current emphasis for MGP is to encourage councils to enter into partnerships to develop regional trails projects across their local government boundaries. Additionally, MGP will fund projects to improve regional open space across the Sydney Region.
In 2008, MGP delivered $2.4 million to councils across Sydney on a dollar-for-dollar basis for the embellishment of Sydney's trails and open space. This latest funding means that MGP has now delivered over $25 million for 240 local council projects since 1989. In 2009, the Department of Planning will commit a further $2.4 million towards MGP projects.
Aims 2009
- To continue to promote the development of recreation trails across the Sydney region with a focus on implementing the priorities of the Regional Recreation Trails Framework.
- To promote partnership between State and local government and in particular the development of joint council submissions for projects that cross local government boundaries such as major walking trails.
- To promote the planning and development of trails to provide Sydney's community with healthy and accessible recreation facilities.
Key outcomes
- Partnering with local government to improve regionally significant open space and links between bushland, parks, centres and waterways.
- Enabling more people to enjoy more parks and trails and to appreciate and enjoy our healthy lifestyle, our heritage and our natural environment.
- Delivering the Government's long-term strategy for meeting the community's need for places of recreation.
Award-winning MGP project
Penrith City Council has been awarded the 2008 NSW Planning Minister’s Sydney Greenspace Award for its innovative work on the first two stages of the Great River Walk project. See media release.
The NSW Government has provided over $700,000 towards design and development of several stages of the walk in the Penrith area including signage, branding and promotion.
Penrith City Council and local businesses have matched the Government’s grants with funding and construction work.
How and when to apply
The 2009 MGP Guidelines and the 2009 MGP Application form contain all the relevant information for preparing an application.
Ongoing projects
The standard reporting format is the Progress Report [MS Word]. This is a template for reporting to the Department on the status of projects and to accompany claims for grant payments.
Recently funded projects
- $400,000 to Sutherland Shire Council for the upgrade of picnic, walking and cycling facilities at Cronulla Park including new playground equipment, signage, vegetation preservation and pathways.
- $320,000 to Warringah Council to enhance 2.6 kilometres of trail along Narrabeen Lake, regenerate bushland and improve safety, amenity and recreational areas.
- $238,000 to Canterbury City Council improvements to the Cooks River foreshore and Gough Whitlam Park.
- $120,000 to Holroyd City Council for an upgrade and modification of an Adventure Playground at Holroyd Gardens Park.
- $100,000 to Gosford City Council to link reserves, parks and open space at Caroline Bay and enable a natural heritage survey of the area’s indigenous and cultural values.
- $85,000 to Penrith City Council to upgrade 1.4 kilometres of the Great River Walk along the Nepean River, improve signage, provide access to a playground and plant new vegetation.
- $41 000 to Burwood City Council for the installation of environmentally friendly solar powered lighting along the Cooks River Trail.
Further inquiries
For further information, please contact:
Grants Programs Officer – Metropolitan Greenspace Program
NSW Department of Planning
Ph: (02) 9895 7738
Fax: (02) 9895 7946
Email: greenspace@planning.nsw.gov.au