Help shape the future of the Nepean River Precinct

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Penrith City Council invites the community to share their ideas and aspirations for the Nepean River Precinct as work to update the Our River Masterplan gets underway.  

Funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council, the update will extend and contemporise the existing Masterplan by identifying gaps, challenges and opportunities to build on the vibrancy of the precinct. 

The updated Masterplan will be developed with the community and key stakeholders to reflect their evolving needs and aspirations for the Nepean River Precinct and guide the next phase of planning and revitalisation.  

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the community played an integral role in developing the original Our River Masterplan in 2013, which has helped transform the Nepean River into a popular recreational destination. 

“The Our River Masterplan has been our roadmap for the past ten years, informing Council’s decisions and allowing us to advocate for and coordinate the delivery of projects that we know are important to our community,“ Cr Hitchen said.

“The recent Police Cottage restoration, Real Festival, boat ramp and trailer car park, pathways and lighting, viewing and fishing platforms, kayak launch pads, amenities, and riverbank regeneration to name just a few of the projects. 

“It’s exciting to see the Nepean River Precinct come to life, and with the completion of Regatta Park and Tench Reserve upgrades in sight, its reputation as one of Western Sydney’s best destinations will only continue to grow,” Cr Hitchen said. 

“With more people using and enjoying this space, the updated masterplan will help us address current and emerging challenges such as access to water and water-based activity, connectivity, flooding, traffic, and parking.

“Central to the new Masterplan will be the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ ongoing connection to the river and creating a unique place that celebrates their stories and heritage,” Cr Hitchen said. 
The community is invited to visit one of the listening posts at the Nepean River to share their ideas or contribute at yoursaypenrith.com.au/ourriver before 5 pm Monday, 24 July 2023.  

Thursday, 6 July, 10 am-12 pm  
Tench Reserve North Playground – Cnr Jamison Road/Tench Avenue  

Saturday 8 July, 8.30am-10.30am  
Tench Reserve – adjacent to Tench Reserve Playground  

Saturday 8 July, 11 am-1.00 pm  
Great River Walk - Cnr Punt Road/River Road   

This project is jointly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council. Council secured a $100,000 grant under the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program and will match the funding.  For more information visit: Metropolitan Greenspace Program | Planning (nsw.gov.au)

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 27 June 2023.