Urban Taskforce CEO, Tom Forrest, today backed in Local Government NSW’ call for a doubling of Public Spaces Legacy Program funding in tomorrow’s Budget.
“A second round of the program to incentivise the fast-tracking of development assessments with funding for councils to deliver public spaces would be fantastic news for jobs in the new home creation sector, the environment and the community”, Mr Forrest said.
According to Mr Forrest, the success of the first round of funding was that it was tied to a demonstrated commitment to meet the Greater Sydney Commission growth targets over the next 5 years. Council also had to development a “fast-track” assessment plan.
Under the first round of the Public Spaces Legacy Program, local councils that focus on projects and plans that deliver much-needed jobs and housing are eligible for up to $5.5 million each in funding for parklands, town squares and main streets. Applications to the program closed on the 28th August, with successful councils yet to be announced.
“A doubling of the funding available to each council would translate into substantial additions to local greenspace while driving jobs in the construction industry.
“By thumbing their noses at Greater Sydney Commission mandated housing targets, NIMBY councillors from Ryde and Ku-ring-gai have ruled themselves out from receiving funding under the Program.
“Nonetheless, the rest of Sydney is up for the challenge.
“This program takes one of the main local infrastructure cost drivers for new home buyers off the table, thus easing the burden on young families and first home buyers.”
“A doubling of this initiative would reduce the burden on new home buyers and result in measurable improvements to local amenity”, Mr Forrest said.
