Today I officially opened the extensively upgraded Clementson Park at Bondi Junction, one of nine local parks to benefit from the Rudd Labor Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan.

All up, Waverley Council’s Playground Upgrade program received $340,000 from the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program – a key part of our Economic Stimulus Plan. The Council contributed a further $90,000 of its own money.

I congratulate Waverley Council for moving so quickly to put its economic stimulus money to work supporting local jobs and providing local residents with new and improved community infrastructure.

The work undertaken by the Council involved an extensive refurbishment of Clementson Park and included the creation of a larger landscaped play space as well as the installation of new playground equipment, a bubbler, bins and seats.

Further work is also taking place at:

• Caffyn Park;


• The playground on Glenayr and Murriverie roads;


• Kimberley Reserve;


• The playground on Cuthbert and Fitzgerald streets;


• Weonga Playground;


• The playground on Murray and Palmerston streets;


• Dover Road; and


• The playground on Scott and Arden streets.

The upgrade of Clementson Park alone provided work opportunities for over 30 people.

As a whole, I’m advised Waverley’s Playground Upgrade program prevented one contractor from having to make layoffs. In fact because of the extra work that same contractor was able to expand his workforce, taking on a new apprentice.

Over the longer term, the Council’s decision to upgrade their parks and playgrounds will greatly benefit the many young families living in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

In addition to funding for its Playground Upgrade program, we have also provided Waverley Council with $2 million for the construction of a new pavilion and indoor sports facility at Waverley Park, with work on this project expected to start later this year.

The Rudd Labor Government’s $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is the largest ever Federal investment in community infrastructure, having already funded more than 3,000 small and larger scale construction projects.