Goulburn MP Pru Goward recently announced the funding from round two of the State Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The money will partially fund the 18-hectare park at Marys Mount. It is bounded by homes off Marys Mount Road. Warrigal Care is located to the west and the Wollondilly River to the south. 

Ms Goward said Riverside Park will provide much-needed outdoor community space in the rapidly-expanding part of the city.

“This project will transform a neglected piece of land on the edge of Goulburn into a central, welcoming outdoor community space that residents have been crying out for,” she said.

“It’s great that the council now has such a strong planning focus on creating beautiful open spaces to offset our new residential developments.” 

The funds will be added to more than $700,000 collected in section 94 developer fees for the space.

When complete, it will include a network of paths linking it to the nearby Wollondilly River Walk, picnic and barbecue facilities, observation points for watching wildlife within a green corridor and recreational/exercise spaces.

A council spokesman said a concept plan had been completed and detailed project planning would be undertaken in the next few months.

Mayor Bob Kirk said the council would progress “transformation of the currently weedy and eroded vacant lot” in 2019.

“The Riverside Park will bring beautiful parkland, wildlife, picnic and recreational facilities to the 6,000-something families residing in this growing suburb of Goulburn,” he said.

The council has also applied for funding for the River Walk, Hudson Park and Cookbundoon playing fields and other community projects under the Stronger Country Communities program.

The money is part of the State’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund.