An even better and more resilient Penrith is on its way

Penrith’s Economic Recovery Taskforce will help Council accelerate a sustainable post-pandemic economic recovery in the City.

Penrith Council endorsed the creation of the taskforce in its ordinary meeting on 25 May. The purpose of the taskforce is to bring together the City’s key partners to develop and guide local solutions to support Penrith’s recovery.

The taskforce will be chaired by Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM along with representatives from a range of business, academic and government organisations to provide specialist knowledge and advice.

Each member will represent their sector with the taskforce aiming to seek innovative ideas and to propose new programs of work that will support Penrith’s response to and recovery from COVID-19. The Taskforce will produce a 30 Day Response Plan and a 100 Day Recovery Plan as part of their initial actions. In discussing the initiative Mayor Fowler remarked "Council is uniquely positioned to support the community including our local small business community throughout the recovery process, to build a stronger and more resilient Penrith into the future".

The Taskforce will support Council’s leadership and advocacy on key issues for the City and the Western Sydney region, assist Council in leveraging the opportunities provided through the City’s infrastructure improvements, and will look to better understand and promote other opportunities that already exist. Business representatives are also being asked to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities that may exist for Penrith via a survey.

The Taskforce’s first meeting will be in June; and will meet monthly until May 2021. Recommendations from the Taskforce will be reported to Council at the closest following Ordinary Meeting.

Council has also endorsed the creation of the Penrith Community Recovery Taskforce. This taskforce will focus on Penrith’s social and cultural recovery to ensure that social and community services are positioned to meet the changing needs of the population. Deputy Mayor Karen McKeown OAM will chair the Community Recovery Taskforce which will also hold its first meeting in June.

Image: Penrith's iconic Nepean River