3. Budget highlights by Western Sydney Local Government Area

3.7 Blue Mountains

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Pictogram showing West - Blue Mountains cost of living.

Cyclists wearing helmets sit on their bikes atop a mountain or rockface overlooking trees and horizon. — Katoomba

Upgrading infrastructure for the Blue Mountains

The Government is investing in upgraded infrastructure across the Blue Mountains, including through the following projects currently under construction:

more than $7.7 million (including $5.0 million NSW Government funding) for the Leura Cascades Recreation Precinct Upgrade project, which will deliver improved and accessible recreational and visitor infrastructure
more than $2.5 million (including $2.4 million NSW Government funding) for the Grand Cliff Top Walk project to develop a world class 13.6 km multi-day walk providing spectacular views of the escarpment and World Heritage Area
more than $860,000 (including $816,000 NSW Government funding) for the Grounds of Varuna project, which will upgrade the 140 m2 architect-designed building to provide an accessible venue, workshop and office space in the grounds of Varuna, The National Writers’ House
more than $770,000 funded by NSW Government for the SmartenUp Blackheath Community Centre Project, which will transform the centre into a functional, sustainable multipurpose performance space and venue.

Health

Continuation of planning for the Blue Mountains Hospital redevelopment at $25.0 million.

Education

Upgrades to specialist facilities at Springwood High School as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education Partner School Program.
Completion of the Katoomba High School upgrade, with the construction of a new multipurpose hall, including a stage, indoor sports court and change rooms.
Investment in attracting and retaining teachers led to schools in Blue Mountains starting the 2025 school year with 50 per cent fewer vacancies than the same time in 2023, and 78.6 per cent fewer vacancies from the peak of the teacher shortage crisis.

Transport

$60.3 million over four years for the Bells Line of Road program.
Continuation of the Great Western Highway – Medlow Bath and Hawkesbury River Road project, which benefits residents in the Blue Mountains, a $193.7 million project jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.

Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Blue Mountains Cascades Water Supply is being strengthened with a $37.0 million investment in safety measures for the Blue Mountains region.
Betterment of walking tracks at visitor precincts, including Leura Cascades, by increasing resilience of walking track materials.
Renewing and upgrading national park visitor infrastructure and removing vehicle entry fees to parks for veterans.

Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

An additional $3.0 million for infrastructure upgrades at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.

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Download NSW Budget 2025-26 Our plan for Western Sydney PDF 12.15MB Current as of Wednesday, 25 March 2026.

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