Blue Mountains News

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne said the Building Better Regions Fund - Infrastructure Projects Stream will deliver more than $1.5 million in funding to Blue Mountains City Council to help make the project a reality.

“Revitalising the Blackheath town centre has been a key issue for many residents, business owners and community groups for quite some time, so I am delighted that the Turnbull Government is providing significant support for this important project,” Senator Payne said.

“Blackheath has a wonderful village atmosphere, and the town centre project will enhance this unique character whilst also helping to increase business vitality which is essential to support residents and visiting tourists.”

Funding will also go towards the surfacing of the Blackheath to Mt Victoria section of the Great Blue Mountains Trail and the addition of visitor facilities at Mount Blackheath, Pope's Glen and Hargraves Lookout.

“Blackheath has some of the most stunning scenic walking tracks and lookouts in the Blue Mountains, and this funding will improve the accessibility and amenity of these sites,” Senator Payne said.

Blue Mountains City Councillor Kevin Schreiber welcomed the funding. “This is a great announcement from Senator Payne to support Blue Mountains City Council’s long-awaited re-design of the Blackheath town centre which has longstanding, grassroots support in the community,” Cr Schreiber said.

Michael Paag, the spokesperson for The Blackheath Area Community Alliance, which comprises over nineteen Blackheath-based community and businesses organisations, including the Blackheath Chamber of Commerce, said the funding was good news for locals.

“The Blackheath Area Community Alliance welcomes this funding announcement, it will be a big boost to the township of Blackheath,” Mr Paag said.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the community.

“Under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream, the Coalition Government is investing well over $200 million in 136 projects with a total leveraged project value of $459 million,” Dr McVeigh said.