Council’s plans for a more connected, liveable and walkable community

Council has submitted a list of 37 projects worth $397 million to be considered for the $2 billion available to 15 councils and communities under the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest Program. 

Council’s list of aspirational projects will create a more connected, liveable and walkable community, and include an Indoor Multi-Sports Stadium at Claremont Meadows ($106 million), a City Park and Entertainment Precinct for St Marys ($21 million) and the Weir Reserve Rowing and Paddle Sports Precinct ($34.7 million).

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the projects put forward are grounded in identified Council strategies, developed through extensive consultation with community members and designed to meet the City’s long-term needs and goals.

“Council estimates that by 2036 the population of our Local Government Area (LGA) will grow by another 70,000 residents meaning now is the time to enhance our community facilities and build additional infrastructure to keep pace with this growth, and to ensure Penrith continues to be the best place to live, work and play,” Cr Hitchen said.

The WestInvest program will fund transformational infrastructure projects across Western Sydney that will enhance communities and help create jobs throughout the region.

The program is designed to deliver transformational change across six focus areas, including quality green and open spaces, community infrastructure, school modernisation, arts and cultural facilities, high street activation and local traffic programs.

On Council’s wish list are several projects from the Green Grid Strategy, including the $2.8 million construction of a new shared walk and cycle pathway and tree planting on Debrincat Avenue, North St Marys, to Glossop Street, to provide a critical link connecting residents to schools, shops and transport.

“The plans we have identified as priority projects complement existing work and speak to the vision we have for the City,” Cr Hitchen said.

“Many of these projects form part of our Sport and Recreational Strategy, a 15-year road map of improving sport, play, recreation and open space facilities across our City, while others sit within Council’s Green Grid Strategy, which ensures we create cool, green spaces and connect these to active transport links.”

Council’s plans also include a City Park and Entertainment Canopy in the heart of St Marys, a multi-court indoor sports stadium built on the development of the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, a new rowing and paddle sports precinct along the Nepean River in Penrith, the Nursery Upgrade and Cumberland Plain Improvement Project worth $4.6 million, amenity buildings at various locations across the City, 21 playspace upgrades worth $6 million and City-wide accessible bus shelters, set to cost $8 million.

“Through extensive community consultation and planning, Council has heard the needs of residents and is clear on how we can improve liveability and create a more connected, sustainable, accessible and enjoyable City to serve current and future generations,” Cr Hitchen said.