LESS traffic congestion, more outdoor dining areas and reserves transformed into more community-friendly facilities are part of the grand plans for St Marys-Mount Druitt in 2009.
Penrith mayor Jim Aitken is waiting on bureaucrats to give the green light to road works to reduce traffic congestion in St Clair and Erskine Park.
He's also leading the push to transform Queen Street in St Marys into a outdoor dining strip. ``I'd like to one day see it similar to Lygon Street in Melbourne,'' he said.
Blacktown mayor Charlie Lowles also has big plans for Mount Druitt.
One of the council's biggest projects is transforming Tregear and Whalan Reserves into high-quality sub-regional open spaces.
Work will include tree-planting, sports facilities upgrades, BMX and skate areas, new play equipment, a cycleway and more playing fields.
Improvements to Tregear Reserve have already started, where 1500 trees were recently planted.
``When complete, the works will create enthusiasm among the community that drives future participation and development,'' Mr Lowles said.
The projects are part of Blacktown Council's push to promote sustainable living, environmental protection and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Construction of the $30-million purpose-built AFL cricket facility at Blacktown Olympic Park currently on time to finish in May.
The facility includes two ovals, a 1500 seat grandstand, indoor/outdoor practice areas and room for up to 10,000 spectators for when Sydney's second AFL team kicks off in 2012.
Penrith Council had a meeting with state transport minister Michael Daley late last year and waiting for approval from the Roads and Traffic Authority to extend Wallgrove Road to the Erskine Park employment hub.
Mr Aitken estimated it would cost the council $8million to relieve the traffic congestion in the St Clair and Erskine Park residential areas when traffic turns off from the M4.
``It makes sense for the project to go ahead,'' he told the Star.
``It affects a lot of people and it would save State Government funding. It would improve traffic flow and make it easier for trucks to get onto Wallgrove Road. It would also create more employment opportunities in the Erskine Park industrial area.''
Mr Aitken predicted that St Marys will attract more residents, businesses and developers as the economic crisis improves.
``Our mantra is that Penrith City is open for business,'' Mr Aitken said.
``We want to be a regional city. We now have to become one and have the appropriate infrastructure.''
Mr Aitken had this message for Penrith City residents,
``Use every day to make Penrith a better place to live, work, play and invest,'' he said.
Mr Lowles said the revamps to Tregear and Whalan Reserves will be similar to the transformation of the RAAF Memorial Park in Mount Druitt.
The council recently unveiled $400,000 worth of upgrades to the former RAAF training ground and is now a user-friendly facility for the whole community with new exercise equipment.
``It's an example of what you can do with an open space,'' Mr Lowles said.
``I encourage everyone to take advantage of their local community to improve their health and well-being by exercising.''
Mr Lowles also urged residents to do their bit for the environment with more sustainable living workshops and community education programs planned for this year.
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