Inner West Celebrates as Decades-Long GreenWay Vision Officially Opens
SYDNEY, NSW – December 15, 2025
News Update generated from past NSW Gov Media release and story update using Gemini AI after Media Event.
The Inner West community is celebrating a monumental achievement today with the official opening of the GreenWay, a long-awaited 6-kilometre shared pedestrian and bicycle path that will revolutionise active transport and green space in Sydney.
The new corridor connects two of Sydney’s most popular waterways, stretching from the Cooks River in Earlwood north through the Inner West to the Bay Run on Parramatta River at Iron Cove. The opening marks the culmination of decades of dedicated advocacy from local community groups, Inner West Council representatives, and the Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen.
A New Green Spine for Sydney
What was once a partially completed corridor running alongside a 100-year-old rail line has been transformed into a seamless path featuring bike routes, foreshore walks, public art, cultural sites, and a range of recreational facilities. Crucial “missing links” in the route have been overcome through significant construction, including new underpasses and tunnels beneath major roads, with the Hercules Parklands and the New Canterbury Road underpass among the final sections to be completed.
The project delivers more than just a thoroughfare. Along its length, the GreenWay introduces new community assets, including a fully fenced off-leash dog park in Lewisham West and a new wetland area to support local habitat conservation.
The project received substantial funding, including over $41 million from the NSW Government, an $11 million contribution from Inner West Council, and a further $6 million from the Commonwealth Government.
Connecting Transport and Community
The GreenWay’s opening comes as the Minns Labor Government focuses on delivering new housing in the Inner West. The project is strategically positioned to intersect with the new Sydney Metro Southwest, which is converting the former T3 Bankstown line into a modern metro service.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said the combination of the projects would be transformative.
“The GreenWay won’t just link two of Sydney’s most popular walks, it’ll become one in its own right, complete with a shared walking and cycling path, public art, playgrounds and cafes for everyone to enjoy,” the Premier said.
“We are working hard to build much needed housing for young people and essential workers in the Inner West and the GreenWay combined with the new Metro Southwest will ensure they have access to world class public transport and great recreational green space.”
A Triumph of Community Advocacy
Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen, who has been a long-time champion of the project, expressed her satisfaction at the completion.
“I have been a strong and vocal advocate for the GreenWay project since my election as the Member for Summer Hill,” Ms Haylen said. “This iconic new path provides a great space for enjoying the outdoors and travelling across our community.”
Inner West Council Mayor, Darcy Byrne, captured the local sentiment, acknowledging the years of effort.
“The people of the Inner West have fought for years to bring the GreenWay vision to life,” Mayor Byrne said. “Now that it’s complete, locals are hugely excited to see how it will transform our community.”
The GreenWay is now open to the public, attracting both locals and visitors to explore the new 6-kilometre arc of green space, active transport, and community connection.
