Nepean River access will improve in years to come after Council accepted $5.1 million in funding for the development of an open space project at last night’s ordinary meeting.

The Nepean River open space project will connect and enhance Camden’s natural assets and green open spaces.

The funding is a part of the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program 2020/21, aimed at local councils’ ability to accelerate local projects and demonstrate improvement in assessment timelines, and provide a brief to develop and deliver an open and public space program.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the program would create an exciting outcome for the community.

“Council is eager to continue creating a legacy for the area of Camden by helping in making natural and green open spaces for future generations to enjoy,” Cr Fedeli said.

“The Nepean River is very important to our area as it is home to a range of rare and endangered species of plants.

“Council is very effective in processing assessments and is focused on encouraging further achievements in this space.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for their support and look forward to the project getting started.”

Detailed designs and scoping for the project is currently underway, with the community to be consulted throughout various stages.

Camden Local MP, Peter Sidgreaves, said the project was a great result for the community.

“The program will create legacy public spaces for future generations as well as keep local people in jobs to ensure our local economy keeps moving as we continue to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cr Fedeli said.

“To secure full funding for the project, council needs to continue accelerating assessment and determination of local DAs, which will have the additional benefit of bolstering the local construction pipeline through to 2023.”