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. Building Sydney's Recreation Trails is the strategic priority for MGP funding for the 2006–08 period.
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. The emphasis for MGP in 2007 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 2006, MGP delivered more than $1.9 million to councils across Sydney on a dollar-for-dollar basis. In 2007, the Department of Planning will commit $2.4 million to the embellishment of Sydney's trails and open space in partnership with local councils.
Aims 2008 - 2009
- 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.
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.
How and when to apply
For information the Guidelines and Application form can be accessed here:
Grant Application Form [MS Word]
2008 Guidelines for Funding [PDF]
Please note: applications for the 2008 round of funding closed on 24 April 2008.
Recently funded projects
| Blacktown | Ropes Walk - Tregear and Whalan Reserve, $110,000 |
| Blue Mountains | The Greater Blue Mountains Trails: linking journeys across the mountains, $145,500 |
| Gosford | 'Railway to Rainforest' recreational link, $100,000 |
| Hawkesbury | Streeton Lookout Plan of Management, $15,000 |
| Hawkesbury | Great River Walk, $100,000 |
| Hornsby | Crosslands Reserve Landscape Upgrade, $150,000 |
| Kogarah | Oatley Boardwalk and Trail, $150,000 |
| Liverpool | Casula Parklands Detailed Design Plan and Implementation, $110,000 |
| Mosman | Clifton gardens – Multi Purpose and Special needs Upgrade, $79,700 |
| Penrith | Great River Walk, $194,750 |
| Pittwater | Billarong Reserve Recreation Trail, $100,000 |
| Rockdale | Bardwell Valley and Soudan Street Link, $80,000 |
| Warringah | Narrabeen Lake Multi-Use Trail Project, $50,000 |
| Waverley | Green Links, $69,000 |
| Woollahra | Rushcutters Bay Park Playground, $103,603 |
| Wyong | Saltwater Creek Reserve, $80,950 |
Further inquiries
For further information, please contact:
Christine Timmins
Grants Programs Officer
Department of Planning
Ph: (02) 9895 7769
Fax: (02) 9895 7946
Email: greenspace@planning.nsw.gov.au