The NSW Government Is Investing $50 Million to Improve Swimming Spots and Public Spaces

The New South Wales Government has announced that it's putting $50 million into parks and public spaces to improve access to swimming and outdoor recreation across the state. The investment has been unveiled as part of the government's plans for post-lockdown economic recovery and, according to Premier Dominic Perrottet, will lead to more places to swim, explore and enjoy yourself outdoors.

"We're setting aside $50 million for new places to swim or paddle, improved playspaces and more trails that connect communities to their parklands," said Perrottet in a statement. "With Greater Sydney offering some of the most beautiful river, lake and bushland environments, this package will mean everyone can discover more of the hidden gems in their own backyard."

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes also noted that the money would help ensure that western Sydney residents and those who currently live in areas with less natural swimming and hiking areas — including Parramatta and those surrounding the Nepean River — would have greater access to these forms of public spaces.

"While lockdown is over, it highlighted that people living closer to the coastline have far more natural swimming spots than those living in our west," Stokes said.

The grants have been divided into three different programs, starting with $16.7 million for new swimming and kayaking spots in Greater Sydney's lakes, rivers and harbour. Another $16.7 million is earmarked for providing additional public spaces across NSW, while a third tranche of $16.7 million is being invested in new and upgraded walking trails in regional NSW, as well as in connected bushlands and parks in Greater Sydney.

This investment will contribute to the government's goals of increasing the number of urban homes close to quality green spaces by ten percent across NSW by 2023, and also planting one million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022.

Earlier this year, former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a new national park and feral predator-free zone would be established in wester Sydney. A 500-hectare site between Penrith and Windsor has been earmarked, with the park expected to open in early 2023.

For more information about the Open Spaces Program, head to the NSW Government's website.

Images: Destination NSW.