Griffith City Council to seek funding to enhance and beautify the City

Published on 10 April 2025

Griffith City Council will submit an application for funding under the NSW Government’s Sustainable Communities Program – Early Investment Round, seeking support for a major city beautification and tourism enhancement project.

At its Ordinary Meeting held on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, Council endorsed a recommendation to submit the Griffith City Beautification & Tourism Project for consideration. The decision follows a community-led “Petition for the cleanliness and revitalisation of our city”, presented to Council at its 11 March 2025 meeting.

The Early Investment Round, which offers a total of $15 million to eligible Southern Basin communities impacted by the Federal Government’s water buyback program, is the first in a series of funding opportunities aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts of water recovery policy. The program is administered by the NSW Government, with applications open from 13 March 2025 and assessed on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.

Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran, said it was important to act quickly to secure funding.

“This is a chance to support economic growth and job creation locally,” said Councillor Curran.

“While Council does not support water buybacks in any form, the reality is the Australian Government is proceeding with this policy and it has already begun.

“Our community has made it clear that city beautification and revitalisation are priorities. We must take advantage of every opportunity to improve public spaces and the overall liveability of Griffith.”

Proposed project works include:

• Lake Wyangan Foreshore enhancements

• Griffith CBD embellishments

• Completion of the footpath link between Blumer Avenue/Mackay Avenue traffic lights and Crossing Street

• Replacement or upgrade of irrigation systems in centre medians along Mackay Avenue (Blumer Avenue to Neville Place)

• Tree replacement program and upgrades to tree surrounds in centre medians (Blumer Avenue to Kookora Street)

• Beautification of roundabouts from Blumer Avenue to Kookora Street

• Modifications to tree lighting in Banna Avenue

• Replacement of banners across all Bannerconda installations

For further information about the NSW Sustainable Communities Program – Early Investment Round, or to apply, visit: nsw.gov.au/scp