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Hawkesbury joins Western Sydney City Deal

Hawkesbury City Council has signed a landmark agreement between Federal, State and Local Government which lays the foundations for a thriving, liveable and sustainable Western Sydney City.

The Western Sydney City Deal involves eight Councils – Hawkesbury, Penrith, Blue Mountains, Wollondilly, Campbelltown, Camden, Fairfield and Liverpool. The area of these eight councils is now referred to as the ‘Western Parkland City’.

The City Deal will:
 establish a $150 million Liveability Fund, shared among the eight participating councils
 target initiatives to create jobs and develop skills across the region
 provide joint Federal funding of the first stage of a North-South rail link.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett has welcomed the Western Sydney City Deal as a significant opportunity that will transform the region.

“The Western Sydney City Deal has a strong focus on liveability, which can benefit every resident and business for generations to come,” Councillor Lyons-Buckett said.

“I’m proud to be among the eight Mayors who have embraced this opportunity, as it will help to support a vibrant and resilient future for the Hawkesbury.

“The Hawkesbury needs to be included in significant projects like this; we are on the Western Sydney map and our region deserves every boost it can get.

“This City Deal will release significant funding for new projects that will enrich the liveability of the Hawkesbury Local Government Area, as one of the eight councils that has signed the Western Sydney City Deal,” she said.

“To access the City Deal funding, local councils will also need to contribute funding.

“This will enable us to do even more for our community by combining the funds from Federal, State and Local Government,” the Mayor added.

“We have already identified funding opportunities for revitalising the Richmond and Windsor town centres, and to enhance access to the Hawkesbury River.

“The waterways of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, along with agriculture and sustainability, are an integral part of our region’s identity.

“The Hawkesbury River is a valuable asset that must be treasured and utilised not only for the Hawkesbury but for the Western Parkland City.”

The Mayor continued that the Western Sydney City Deal is “a fundamental change for Western Sydney and its residents” because the agreement is across all three levels of government.

“To see collaborative support from Federal and State Government is something that Hawkesbury City Council, and Local Government more generally, has identified as imperative to secure a bright future for all local communities,” Councillor Lyons-Buckett said.

“This is a strong commitment from the Federal and the State Government to work together to focus on our local communities and regional infrastructure.

“I’m truly optimistic that the Western City Deal will create a more connected and sustainable Western City, which will benefit the eight Local Government Areas involved, including the Hawkesbury.

“We are witnessing, and participating in, a significant and positive shift in collaborative projects, which is a sure sign of good things to come.”

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