WestInvest: Horseworld, flood warning infrastructure upgrades benefit from grant

A state-of-the-art recreational facility and natural disaster infrastructure upgrades will be delivered in Sydney’s northwest thanks to a $15.5 million grant.

A state-of-the-art recreational facility and natural disaster infrastructure upgrades will be delivered in Sydney’s northwest thanks to a $15.5 million funding bonanza.

Both Horseworld Sportsworld Equestrian Stadium at Maraylya and the Hills’ flood warning infrastructure are earmarked to receive more than $15.5 million in WestInvest Community Project Grants.

Horseworld will be transformed from a private indoor equestrian centre into a recreational centre, with the ability to be used as an emergency evacuation centre for natural disasters such as floods and bushfires.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding would deliver community benefits, including creating a space for cultural and community gatherings, reduce social isolation and promote cohesion among residents.

“The new recreation complex at the former Horseworld site is an exciting project that will convert and refurbish an existing and under-utilised indoor equestrian centre into a new state-of-the-art recreational facility which everyone can enjoy,” he said.

Artist impression of how Horseworld will look.

The Hills Shire was battered by floods earlier this year.

“The project will include the construction of a new indoor recreation complex delivering up to five indoor and up to 12 outdoor multifunction courts, or two full-sized playing fields with associated lighting, fencing and amenities.”

After being battered by the heavy rainfall earlier this year, the Hills’ flood warning infrastructure is also set to be bolstered with $500,000 in funding.

Western Sydney Minister David Elliott said the funding would help the community be prepared and resilient in the case of future flooding.

“The project will upgrade council’s flood warning infrastructure at five low-level bridge crossings including installing and relocating flood gates, advanced flood warning sensors, signage and line marking,” he said.

Some of the money will also go towards a flood warning sensor at the second Pitt Town Rd crossing, as well as signage on rural roads to communicate if nearby bridges are open or closed.

The flood warning infrastructure will be rolled out at 137 Cattai Ridge Rd, 312 and 482 Pitt Town Rd, 138 McClymonts Rd and 27 Blue Gum Rd.

A further $1.6 billion in WestInvest funding is available to local community groups with successful projects to be announced from December.