Camden Council is among 12 councils across Greater Sydney to share in almost $3.9 million of matched funding for pedestrian and cycle pathways, new and improved parks and open spaces, under the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program.

Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said Camden Council had secured $250 000 for a walking trail at the Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park (CBEP).

“This is fantastic news for council and for the community and will deliver a recreational trail consistent with Healthy Streets outcomes within the CBEP and along Ferguson Lane linking existing trails and connecting residential communities to this regional space and the Nepean River (via the Cricket Facility) and Matahil Creek tributary,” Mr Sidgreaves said.

“These funds are highly contested, and council’s success in securing matched funding speaks to the quality of the team’s application for funding in this round.

“I’m delighted that this project has been selected and thrilled that we’ll see more green and open space for everyone in the community to enjoy.”

The program is the State’s longest-running open space grants program and has helped councils to deliver hundreds of public space projects since 1983.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli said The Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park is a very popular and important community asset.

“This funding will allow Council to install gravel paths and restore the Cumberland Plain Woodland within the Equestrian Park. This forms part of Council’s Stage 3 COVID-19 Support package, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to further enjoy the facility,” Cr Fedeli said.

“I thank the NSW Government for this funding, and look forward to seeing these works completed in the 2021/22 financial year.”