Council invites community feedback on Draft Biodiversity Strategy

Monday, 17 November 2025

Penrith City Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Penrith Biodiversity Strategy 2026–2036, which sets a 10-year plan to protect and enhance the city’s rich natural environment.

The Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) is home to 13 unique vegetation communities—most of which are endangered or critically endangered—and a wide range of native flora and fauna. In response to growing urban pressures, invasive species, extreme weather events and biodiversity loss, the draft Strategy provides a plan for managing these vital ecosystems into the future.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the strategy reflects the community’s strong desire to protect the Nepean River, creeks, waterways and bushland areas.

“Our natural environment is central to Penrith’s identity and quality of life. This Strategy builds on our previous efforts and sets a clear path forward to restore and enhance biodiversity across the city,” Cr Carney said.

“Biodiversity is not a new concept for Council, we integrate it within our existing day to day activities and within strategies such as the Green Grid Strategy, Sport and Recreation Strategy, the Cooling the City Strategy and the St Marys Town Centre Urban Ecology Plan.”

“The draft Biodiversity Strategy is built on the feedback we gained from the community and this public exhibition seeks to confirm that direction.”

The draft Strategy replaces Council’s original 2004 Biodiversity Strategy and introduces six strategic goals:

1. Maintaining Biodiversity
2. Extending Biodiversity
3. Caring for Country
4. Promoting Healthy Community
5. Collaborating and Forming Partnerships
6. Staff Training and Compliance Communication

It also integrates First Nations knowledge, prioritises ecological corridors and aligns with recent recommendations from the NSW Government’s Independent Review to achieve “nature positive” outcomes.

The strategy identifies six priority precincts and corridors across the LGA, based on findings from Council’s 2023 Biodiversity Study. These areas will be the focus of future restoration efforts and opportunities for funding support through State initiatives.

The draft Penrith Biodiversity Strategy 2026–2036 is on public exhibition until Monday 8 December 2025. Council encourages residents, businesses and community groups to provide feedback.

Visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/biodiversity-strategy to view the draft strategy and make a submission.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 17 November 2025.