$110 million boost for safer, more accessible public spaces across NSW

The Minns Labor Government will invest $110 million dollars in the 2025–26 Budget to revitalise and rebuild our public spaces, building better and safer communities for NSW.

After a decade of neglect under the previous Government, the Minns Government has identified a number of critical works required across Crown Lands and public spaces, such as upgrades to fire trails and the repair of Pyrmont Bridge and the Warrawong seawall on Lake Illawarra.

The 2025-26 Budget will fund these critical works to make sure our communities have access to safe, accessible and fun public spaces.

The Minns Labor Government is providing a lifeline that will revive these spaces returning safe access for millions of visitors.

Projects include:

• $12.4 million to maintain and upgrade fire trails on Crown land and adjoining land to provide safe access for fire fighters to battle bushfires and protect local communities. Crown Lands undertakes statewide helicopter inspections to keep the network in good shape.
• $1 million for Parramatta Park to renew recreation, sporting, and infrastructure assets and keep the 85-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Listed site safe and functional.
• $59.8 million to refurbish the iconic heritage listed Pyrmont Bridge to keep it as a key active transport link in and out of the Sydney CBD.
• $5 million to stabilise the seawall shoreline at Warrawong Parklands at Lake Illawarra which has been impacted by erosion. The project will restore safe community access and create a more inviting parkland and vibrant public space.
• $9 million to renew assets at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan and Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.
• $10 million to maintain infrastructure at Sydney Olympic Park to keep the sporting and recreation precinct in good shape.
• $7.1 million to maintain community buildings and other public infrastructure on Crown Land, from public halls and sports facilities to walking trails and bridges.
• $6 million to remediate Crown Land that has been contaminated, such as former cattle dip sites, mines and industrial sites, to protect the environment, and restore land for use. Funding will also help control invasive species such as feral foxes and rabbits and noxious and invasive weeds to keep land healthy and functional.

This budget is securing the future of NSW, delivering much needed funding to maintain and protect key community assets.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“NSW public spaces attract millions of visitors each year for recreation, sport, community and cultural activities so it is essential we invest so these beloved spaces can continue to serve our community for decades to come.

“The importance of green open space and active transport links like Pyrmont Bridge cannot be underestimated so we’re delivering the funds needed to revive what the former Government neglected.

“This funding is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities and long-term prosperity for the state.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and this funding will help maintain Crown land to support local communities with parks, recreation areas and community facilities.

“The former Coalition Government left critical infrastructure like fire trails unfunded. Fire trails are a basic necessity. Not only do they help protect our homes and businesses, having well maintained fire trails ensures our firefighters can safely get in and out."