Welcome $2.45m boost for recreation and arts

Thursday, 16 June 2016

Council has welcomed the Federal Government's commitment of more than $2 million in funding for recreational upgrades.

A further $380,000 in arts funding will enable Penrith to showcase major travelling exhibitions.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said Council had been advocating on behalf of the community on a range of projects across the City.

"We know that each of the projects to be funded will bring significant benefit not only to the players on the fields but the mums and dads and the committees and volunteers who work so hard to make these sports happen," Cr McKeown said.

"We work very closely with the Clubs and have highlighted to the Federal government a wide range of upgrades that will improve grounds and amenities for thousands of participants every week. Improvements to facilities like the netball complex at Jamison Park will also mean larger carnivals can be hosted, bringing significant economic benefit to our City."

Council will oversee the upgrades and improvements to Greygums Oval, Jamison Park, Weir Reserve, Potter Fields Colyton, Ched Towns Reserve Glenmore Park, Myrtle Road playing fields Claremont Meadows and Patterson Oval Cambridge Park.

"Our Penrith community is passionate about their sport and we've been working closely with the various committees to identify how a number of our venues can be made better," Cr McKeown said.

Cr McKeown said the new air conditioning unit to be installed at the Lewers Bequest and Penrith Regional Gallery would meet the standards required for major travelling exhibitions.

"The new air conditioning to be installed meets the highest sustainability standards with lower operating costs, reduced external noise levels, improved resilience to high ambient temperatures and will work more efficiently," Cr McKeown said.

"Council is the primary funding source for arts and culture in our City, spending almost $20m over the past 10 years at The Joan, St Marys Corner and the Gallery and we welcome the Federal Government's support for arts in Western Sydney."

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 16 June 2016.