$40 Million in Get NSW Active Funding

By Scott Green | 18th August 2022 |

Inner West Shared Path — A 5.8km active travel corridor in Sydney’s Inner West, between Cooks River and the Parramatta River in Iron Cove, was one of the major recipients of the State Government’s $40 million Get NSW Active funding. Photo Credit: Inner West Council.

Sydney, NSW

Funding totalling $40 million has been confirmed for 55 new active transport projects in NSW, as part of the State Government’s Get NSW Active program.

Projects have been chosen in six regions – Eastern Harbour, Central River, Central Coast, Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, Western Parkland and Illawarra–Shoalhaven.

They include $9.8 million towards a 5.8km active travel corridor between the Cooks River and the Parramatta River in Iron Cove, following the former Dulwich Hill Goods Line in Sydney’s Inner West.

“It’s been a dream of the Inner West community for the past 22 years that this GreenWay project should happen,” Inner West Deputy Mayor Jessica D’Arienzo said.

“It’s not just an active transport corridor, it features bike paths and foreshore walks, cultural and historical sites, cafes, bushcare sites and a range of parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities.

“It’s a vital part of Sydney’s ecology, rich in biodiversity where people will be able to cycle, walk, run, enjoy inner west artworks or just relax.”

The State Government injection will be supplemented by $3.9 million from the Inner West Council.

“The Greater Sydney Commission has identified the GreenWay as the number one priority “green grid” project in the Eastern Sydney District Plan,” the Deputy Mayor said.

Construction on shared path from Lewisham West to Lang Road Bridge will begin in November and is scheduled for completion in 2024.

The latest round of funding also includes:

$3.1 million for George Street East pedestrian and cycling paths, connecting to the $19 million Alfred Street pedestrian and cycling bridge to the Parramatta CBD.
$1.14 million towards a new shared path along the western side of Cawdor Road between Sheathers Lane and Camden High School, to help students ride or walk to school safely.
$770,000 for the Pippita Rail Trail project to convert an unused freight line into a 2km shared cycling and walking link between Lidcombe Station and Sydney Olympic Park.
$600,000 towards a 2.50m-wide pedestrian pathway in Clifton, completing a key missing link in a 60km Grand Pacific walk to boost tourism and economic growth in the Illawarra region.

NSW Active Transport Minister Rob Stokes said the projects will “will provide families with choice on how they’re going to get to school or work, their local park or shops or even the beach, giving them the chance to leave the car at home and leave more money in hip-pockets”.

“The evidence is clear that investing in Active Transport infrastructure makes local communities happier, healthier and more productive.”