The latest stage of the multi-million dollar upgrade works at Gannons Park were unveiled by NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes yesterday.
The works included the installation of drainage and irrigation and the resurfacing of eight sports fields, the construction of five cricket wickets and a large new sports amenities building.
The works also included the completion of Stage 2 of the Gannons Park Water Quality Improvement and Stormwater Harvesting Scheme, which will provide over 26 million litres of treated storm water each year for irrigating the sports fields.
The former Boggywell Creek has been diverted from an underground storm water pipe and reinstated as a creek. Harvested water flows through the constructed wetlands, swales and bioretention systems where it is treated to remove pollutants.
This process helps to provide a clean water resource for irrigation of sporting fields, reducing potable water use.
The scheme has significantly enhanced the biodiversity and habitat value of the park through the creation of wetlands, swales, bioretention systems and storage ponds.
Over 41,000 new native plants have been introduced as part of the scheme.
Georges River Council mayor Kevin Greene said that project will have significant positive impacts on the environment and community experience at the park.
The scheme will improve the quality of the water entering the Georges River by allowiing the removal of over 16,000 kg of sediment, 22 kg of phosphorus and 131 kg of nitrogen every year from flows entering the river.
"Newly constructed ponds and wetlands will store water for future treatment and reuse to irrigate the Gannons Park playing fields, and attract bird and wildlife to the area," Councillor Greene said.
"Works undertaken at Gannons Park will have a two-fold effect, helping to protect the natural environment, while also creating a beautiful place for the community to exercise, relax and connect with nature", he said.
The Gannons Park Water Quality Improvement and Stormwater Harvesting scheme has been constructed in stages since 2017 as funding has become available.
To-date the NSW Government has contributed $3,897,000 towards stages 1 and 2 of the project.
The Australian Government contributed $300,000 towards the green wall section of path via the Improving your Local Parks and Environment Program.
The $4.5 million reconstruction of eight sports fields and five new cricket wickets was made possible through funding from the NSW Office of Local Government ($1 million), developer contribution funds, Infrastructure Plus, Waste and Stormwater Levy funds and Council funds.
Funding for the $2.2 million amenities block was comprised of $800,000 from the NSW Stronger Communities Fund, $500,000 from a Commonwealth Grant provided to the St George Football Association, developer contribution funds, Infrastructure Plus funds and club donations.
The amenities block accommodates the Forest Rangers Football Club and Lugarno Football Club, and includes two canteens, storage, home and away change rooms for both clubs and public toilets.
