Georges River walking and cycling plan backed with $150,000 funding fallback

Walking and cycling links across the Georges River local government area could receive a new planning framework backed by a unanimous committee recommendation, with staff authorised to seek external grants before pursuing up to $150,000 in internal funding in 2027.

The Environment and Planning Committee recommended preparing the Georges River Active Transport Plan and seeking grant funding to support its preparation. If grants are not secured, staff may seek up to $150,000 through a future quarterly review process in 2027.

The plan is intended to bring together existing commitments in the Georges River Transport Strategy 2021 and Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040. It will identify and prioritise key active transport corridors and missing links.

It will also focus on connections between schools, open spaces and key destinations. The proposed framework is intended to stage implementation and funding across the local government area.

The $150,000 is not a final allocation for construction or other infrastructure works. It is a possible internal funding source for preparing the plan, subject to grants not being secured and a future 2027 quarterly review process.

The recommendation was one of four planning matters advanced by the committee on 13 July. The committee also recommended at least 28 days of public exhibition for the draft Georges River Commercial Centres Strategy, Part 2 Future Directions, and the Draft Kogarah Strategic Centre Master Plan and associated studies.

For Jubilee Stadium, the committee recommended adoption of the precinct master plan and plan of management, subject to NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Crown Lands consent. The documents would be published online if adopted by Council, and the existing Kogarah Park Community Land Plan of Management would be revoked when the new precinct plan commences.

The Active Transport Plan recommendation now proceeds through Council’s consideration, with its preparation tied to the grant search or the later internal funding process.