Georges River has secured a grant of $350,000 to create a Forest in the City under the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces program.
A total of 48 NSW councils including Georges River and Bayside, will share in the $15 million Streets as Shared Spaces program which encourages councils to provide vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public spaces that encourage social distancing.
With communities across NSW using public spaces differently as a result of COVID-19, the government wants to encourage street activation projects that ensure safe physical distancing, alongside essential travel and the ability to exercise.
With this in mind, the funding will be used by councils to deliver short-term improvements to local streets and public spaces including "pop-up parklets", cycleways and improved lighting.
"The Hurstville community want a safer, greener and more comfortable Forest Road," the council said in its submission.
"The community have, over many years, told the council they need more generous and better-quality public spaces that prioritise the pedestrian, putting people first.
"The experience of a 'people first' street in Hurstville will involve, slower traffic, more room for pedestrians, reclaimed parking spaces and increased tree canopy, all of which are significant contributors to reconnecting Hurstville with nature."
Georges River also secured a $50,000 grant for a Walkability and Wellness initiative in Kogarah.
This will provide connectivity over five locations, increase public space and improve pedestrian amenity with traffic calming measures, lighting, outdoor dining tables and street furniture.
Meanwhile, Bayside Council received $100,000 for a Place Making project at Russell Avenue, San Souci
The proposal is for a 'pilot' trial opportunity to create community parklets alongside wide off-road cycleways where families feel safe to ride their bicycles, protected from traffic, while exploring local cafes before enjoying the paths and natural space of the Botany Bay's foreshore.
"This project seeks to deliver an array of temporary public domain improvements by repurposing the roadway and introduce aspects of tree plantings, local parklets and gardens, safe and separated cycleways and deliver new life to this community corridor," the council's submission stated.
"Community feedback will input to the long term planning for Russell Avenue, which is included on Council's work program for resheeting in the next two years."
Councils will need to obtain all of the relevant approvals and engage with their community in delivering the projects.
For more information and the full list of 48 successful proposals visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/streetsgrants
