New pathway takes big step towards safety

Sunday, 9 February 2025

The popular bridge-to-bridge loop of Penrith’s Great River Walk is now a safer, more connected and enjoyable experience with the new pedestrian pathway on Nepean Avenue complete.

The pathway, which includes bollards and in-ground lighting, significantly improves the safety of thousands of pedestrians who complete the Great River Walk every week and provides the long-awaited addition to the popular walk.

Jointly funded by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council, the pathway project has produced a range of improvements on Nepean Avenue, between Memorial Avenue and Tench Reserve.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney was joined by Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM on site to celebrate the completion of the project.

“Each year we see more and more people visiting our beautiful Nepean River and completing this popular loop walk, and for so long they have been forced to walk on the road during this stretch of the walk which was not ideal,” Cr Carney said.

“This project has been a priority for Council and our community since the development of the Our River Master Plan and the award-winning Penrith Green Grid Strategy.

“It’s fantastic to see our shared vision for a walkable, connected and safe Nepean River precinct realised.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government invested $1.25 million towards the project through the Metropolitan Greenspace Program.

“Penrith’s Great River Walk is one of Western Sydney’s most iconic and picturesque destinations with beautiful views of the Nepean River and the Blue Mountains,” Mr Scully said.

“Funding for this project makes this popular community walkway a safer experience for walkers and cyclists. It also improves connectivity to nearby Tench Reserve and the Yandhai Nepean Crossing.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM MP said this much-anticipated pathway provides better traffic flow and improve the experience of Great River Walk users.

"The Great River Walk is one of Sydney's most scenic walks and this new pathway makes it even better," Ms McKeown said.

“The local community wants the Nepean River precinct to be a world-class destination for nature and recreation. A safer and more connected Great River Walk is part of that vision."

The project also included new traffic calming paver bands to create a safer, calmer traffic environment which supports and encourages cyclists on the road, as well as the planting of new trees to enhance amenity, provide shade and help cool the city.

This project was proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council. Council secured a $1.25 million grant under the Metropolitan Greenspace Program, and this contribution was matched by Council with additional funds allocated from Council’s District Open Space Contributions Plan and General Revenue. 

Learn more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/nepeanavenue.

Video: https://youtu.be/5tzg1feT0aE
Photo caption: Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM inspect the completed pedestrian pathway on Nepean Avenue.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Sunday, 9 February 2025.