Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Saturday, 23 October 2021

Oatley residents will soon enjoy nearly $3 million worth of revitalised public space with the revamp of the former Oatley Bowling Club site and revitalisation works at nearby Gannons Park thanks to NSW Government support.

New picnic shelters, exercise equipment, half-court basketball, public art and a community garden will be available at the Oatley Bowling Club site thanks to a $900,000 cash injection, and $2 million spent at Boggywell Creek to develop significant public space nearing completion.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock, Member for Oatley Mark Coure and Georges River Mayor Kevin Greene inspected the sites yesterday as remediation and consolidation works near completion.

Mrs Hancock said the works were a great example of how the NSW Government had been working to support councils through COVID and into the future, delivering  intergenerational recreation space for the local community.

“This work builds on our Government’s commitment to supporting local councils as we have done throughout the pandemic and ensures the sites are safe and useable for the council to undertake Master Plan proposed works,” Mrs Hancock said.

“We are delivering on our election commitment to help revitalise these two sites, which will be a win-win situation for the council and local community.

“Open space is critical to ensure communities thrive and this site will soon boast recreational facilities and public amenities which will improve the lifestyle of residents and visitors alike.”

Mr Coure said the State Government funding would help ensure the former Oatley Bowling Club site could become an open space for people from every generation to enjoy a range of recreation activities.

“I am pleased to have helped protect this land from developers and keep it an open public space for Oatley residents and surrounding communities to enjoy,” Mr Coure said.

“This funding will transform this unused space into an open green space for Oatley and surrounding communities, which is a big priorities for the local community and this project will create a unique new recreational facility adjoining Myles Dunphy Reserve.”

The council’s Master Plan for the former Oatley Bowling Club site also includes improved pedestrian and maintenance vehicle access, a new pump track and play space, as well as bush regeneration.

The project will also focus on improving the community’s connection to the adjoining Myles Dunphy Reserve, providing accessible and diverse recreational opportunities for all abilities and ages.

The final stage of the Gannons Park project has involved the removal of concrete stormwater infrastructure, and construction/reinstatement of natural waterway features including swales, wetlands, ponds and bioretention systems.

This work has improved the local environment by increasing terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, improving the quality of stormwater entering the Georges River and saving potable water, while creating opportunities for the community to enjoy the park through the associated landscaping, shared path and facilities.

The NSW Government has contributed more than $6 million in funding over the past eight years to help the council deliver this intergenerational project.

MEDIA: Damien Bolte | 0498 359 624