An upgrade to Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre and Glenbrook Park will become a reality after almost $700,000 in federal funding was awarded to Blue Mountains City Council.
Liberal Senator Marise Payne said the tourism-based project will receive $699,985.
“The upgrade will deliver for tourists and locals by enhancing Glenbrook as the ‘Gateway to the Blue Mountains’ and improve accessibility and amenity of the visitor information centre and Glenbrook Park for locals and visitors,” she said.
“The upgrade of the Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre to a Regional Tourism Centre will incorporate the proposed Regional Tourism Organisation covering the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith.”
Labor MP for Macquarie Susan Templeman welcomed the money but said the electorate had received just $3590 in previous funding rounds, “so it's about time”.
Ms Templeman said improvements to Glenbrook Park will be enjoyed by locals as much as visitors.
"But while there is great potential to encourage tourists to move through both the Mountains and the Hawkesbury loop, I think it's a long bow to claim that this facility will have any sort of instant boost to Hawkesbury tourism. There is a lot of work to be done for the two parts of the Macquarie electorate to feel like a 'region',” she said.
“I hope we will see an equal commitment by the Turnbull Government to investing in tourism in the Hawkesbury."
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill also welcomed the announcement, saying it will benefit both Glenbrook and the wider Blue Mountains.
“Glenbrook Park is a favourite with families, not just in the Lower Mountains, but across the city. The improvements to Glenbrook Park will enhance recreational and visitor amenity. The project supports council’s plan to ensure that Glenbrook Park is of a district park standard,” he said.
“An upgrade of the Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre will reflect the centre being a gateway to the region’s growing tourism market that offers contemporary, convenient visitor services.”
