Funding to support New South Wales suburbs to thrive

The Albanese Government is making local suburbs in greater Sydney even better places to live, today announcing just over $61 million for 15 projects in the city and surrounding area.

The Thriving Suburbs Program is designed to build better cities and more liveable suburbs, targeting projects – such as sporting and cultural hubs, libraries and parks – that increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility. 

With no competitive, urban community infrastructure program under the former Government, we know Councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade their essential local assets.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Thriving Suburbs – to help fund the backlog of community infrastructure projects putting a strain on local governments.  

Projects getting funding in greater Sydney include new and revitalised multi-purpose community centres, an upgraded wharf, a theatre redevelopment, upgraded inclusive sports facilities, a town centre revitalisation, and improvements to local play and green spaces.

The Lidcombe Town Centre upgrade is just one of the projects set to come to life thanks to the program, with Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, and Federal Member for Reid Sally Sitou, on site today to announce the funding.

This project, which is receiving just over $4 million in federal funding, will upgrade the John Street precinct to meet current and future needs of the Cumberland community.

Other projects receiving funding in this round include:

• Almost $7 million for the Windsor River Users Hub to deliver a recreation facility for the local community that is also resilient to flooding.
• Upgrades to 14 local play spaces across Central Coast Council.
• Over $5 million for the Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club for recreational and high performance facilities.

These investments will connect communities, enrich quality of life at a local level, and enhance social inclusion.

Thriving Suburbs is an open and competitive program, with funding awarded on a merit basis, supported by a two-stage assessment process. 

This is yet another demonstration of the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering a suburban funding program focused on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration.

For more information, including a full list of successful projects in the state, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/thriving-suburbs-program.

Quote attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Our Thriving Suburbs Program is all about building better cities and more liveable suburbs, with the projects getting funding across New South Wales set to increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility. 

“Fifteen local projects across the state are now set to become a reality thanks to funding from this program, which will unlock a range of benefits for communities.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Reid Sally Sitou:

“Projects to uplift our cities and suburbs is needed now more than ever, so I am pleased to see the Australian Government is providing this funding for New South Wales.

“The Lidcombe Town Centre upgrade, one of fifteen projects we’ve announced for the state, is an incredible example of what this funding means for communities.

“This upgraded town centre is envisioned to be an outdoor living space for the community to connect, socialise and engage, ensuring everyone is welcome.”

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