Council endorses OPEN: Penrith and St Marys 24-Hour Economy Strategy 2025-2029

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Penrith City Council has endorsed its OPEN: Penrith and St Marys 24-Hour Economy Strategy 2025-2029 to foster a thriving local economy that operates well beyond daytime business hours.

At the Ordinary Meeting on Monday night (17 November 2025), Council endorsed the strategy that has six priorities to help make our City centres as vibrant, safe and connected at night as they are during the day.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney thanked the community for taking the time to provide their feedback on the strategy which will be implemented over the next four years.

“Having you, the community, provide valuable feedback on the strategy is crucial to building a safer, more diverse and thriving 24-hour economy in our City’s two strategic centres,” Cr Carney said.

“Over 300 community members and businesses provided their insights, knowledge and aspirations for Penrith and St Marys, highlighting the strong commitment to fostering a thriving local economy.”

The draft strategy was on public exhibition in May and June, a formal process for the community to provide feedback on Council strategies and plans before they are adopted.

During the public exhibition period, Council hosted the NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner and 65 local businesses, government and industry representatives where they discussed the opportunities to grow the Penrith and St Marys’ 24-hour economy. This forum provided valuable insights and feedback on the strategy and the steps to implement this for the benefit of community and business.

Council plays a crucial role in identifying opportunities and addressing challenges to further develop our City’s 24-Hour economy. By leveraging the diverse talent, expertise and perspectives of businesses, venue operators, the community and government, Council aims to create an environment where businesses can thrive; art, cultural and entertainment activities can flourish; and the community can enjoy a vibrant, safe and connected 24-hour experience.

The OPEN: Penrith and St Marys 24-Hour Economy Strategy 2025-2029 forms part of our overarching Thrive Penrith Framework that supports Council’s economic and cultural development connecting our Penrith Economic Development Strategy 2023-2031, Visitor Economy Strategy 2023-2030, and Cultural Strategy 2024-2031.

To read the final strategy, visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/24houreconomystrategy

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 18 November 2025.