The Federal government's promised $1.3 million upgrade to Glenbrook's Knapsack Oval is one step closer.
Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne said a "major milestone" had been reached with "the government now finalising Blue Mountains City Council's funding application ahead of the grant agreement being signed".
"The sooner this grant application process is complete, the sooner construction can begin, so a timely response is important," she said in a statement this week.
The money is to fix the clubhouse and carpark. Council will now need to formally apply for the funding via a grant, "as is standard when election commitments are made," she said.
Mayor Mark Greenhill welcomed the announcement of the delivery of promised funding to Knapsack Park.
"Knapsack Oval is an important sporting facility in the Blue Mountains. Council has, in its delivery program and operational plan, allocated funding towards the upgrade of facilities at this park, based on the understanding that the promised funding would become available.
"We will assist in progressing this agreement, as quickly as possible."
Earlier this year Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman expressed concerns delays could take years. Ms Templeman had sought assurances from Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack about the funding and said he had indicated the delay could blow out to 2026 under the Community Development Grants program.
But Ms Payne announced on October 30 she was "very pleased that our funding commitment will see plans to upgrade Knapsack Park brought forward".
"Knapsack Park is a popular sporting hub for the lower Blue Mountains, we know how many families spend their weekends there.
"Delivering these upgrades will enhance the safety and quality of this vital community space," Ms Payne said.
Council initially allocated funds in its 2019/20 and 2020/21 budget to complete the work in two stages. Both Labor and Liberal agreed to fund it prior to the federal election.
The Gazette understands Federal Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Minister Colbeck has formally written to Blue Mountains Council with a 'Request for Information' document. The information requested is required before council can enter into a formal grant agreement with the Commonwealth. Grant agreements set out funding schedules and key project dates.
Knapsack's concept plans are undergoing a detailed design phase with council and community consultation is planned for later this year.
Blue Mountains Football Club president, Dave Smith has said he is "comfortable with how the project was progressing".
Cr Brendan Christie said it was "great that the Morrison government's money for Knapsack is progressing".
"This is a vital upgrade to the park, for the football club and other users so that they can have a safe carpark and a fit for purpose clubhouse. I've been fighting for this for years and it's great that we're on the home stretch".
