WestInvest Fund Set to Transform the Canterbury-Bankstown Area

The Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government area is set to benefit from access to up to $400 million in funding as part of the first wave of the $5 billion WestInvest program,

Residents will be invited to put forward ideas for community enhancing projects ahead of the WestInvest program launch at the end of March, as part of a “Have Your Say” campaign.

A total of $2 billion will be reserved for high priority community projects with an initial $400 million directly allocated to 15 Western Sydney Local Government Areas including the Canterbury-Bankstown area to advance shovel-ready local projects.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure said, that the WestInvest program will see the funding of worthwhile community projects designed to reinvigorate the economy by providing job opportunities for thousands of workers across the local area.

“The initial Local Government tranche will deliver immediate community benefit, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size,” Mr Coure said.

“After all the challenges that the Pandemic has created for people of the Canterbury-Bankstown area, it is important that the NSW Government continues to support our economic recovery with substantial investments into local communities.”

Premier, Dominic Perrottet said, the landmark program would have the twin benefits of delivering new infrastructure and supporting jobs in one of the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse regions in the nation.

“We want people to love living locally, and this investment will deliver improved facilities, more open spaces, convenient services and stimulate the economy,” Premier Perrottet said.

The $2 billion community project fund, including the Local Government tranche, is set to launch before the end of March for eight weeks, with successful projects expected to be determined by September.

A further $3 billion will be made available to NSW Government agencies to deliver transformational projects that are ready to go and will benefit local communities. The community is being invited to put forward ideas to help ensure the best projects are funded through the “Have Your Say” campaign.

WestInvest funding will be provided to build new and improved facilities that will deliver community benefit and help turbocharge economic recovery across six areas:

• Parks, urban spaces and green space;
• Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds;
• Modernising local schools;
• Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities;
• Revitalising high-streets;
• Clearing local traffic.

The $5 billion Westinvest Fund is broken down as follows:

• $3 billion for NSW Government agencies to deliver transformational projects;
• $2 billion for high priority community projects;
  • $1.6 billion allocated to community groups, non-government organisations and local councils;
  • $400m allocated directly to the 15 local councils.

The allocation of all $5 billion will be informed by the community “Have Your Say” process.

For more information visit nsw.gov.au/westinvest