Mayoral Column – Stay cool in summer

Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Summer has certainly arrived. As we embrace these warm days, Council recognises the importance of having a happy, healthy City and wants to ensure that our community knows how to stay cool.

I was delighted to see Penrith Beach re-open to the public for the 2025-26 summer season on Saturday, when temperatures reached 40ºC. It was great to see people from all over Western Sydney cooling off at this local swimming spot.

The NSW Government has made improvements with new shaded seating areas, outdoor showers and longer opening hours – from 7am to 7pm daily.

Council has long advocated for public access to this underutilised natural asset.

We want to see this become a permanent recreation facility. Council continues to urge the NSW Government to develop a master plan for the broader Penrith Lakes precinct, to further unlock the site and create new tourism, social, economic and recreation opportunities.

Across the City, families also have other options for splashing about this season. There are free water play facilities at several locations, including Gipps Street Recreation Precinct and Regatta Park. Find your nearest at penrith.city/playspaces.

The splash pads which feature slides, water jets and tipping buckets at Ripples Leisure Centre St Marys and Penrith are popular in summer too.

We know many people are doing it tough and Ripples is offering sessions with reduced entry fees to their splash parks and pools during heat waves. Last week, residents loved the $2 swim and splash sessions. Visit ripplesnsw.com.au and follow Ripples on socials to learn more.

There are other ways to keep yourself and your loved ones cool and safe. Every year, Council shares NSW Health tips on staying hydrated, using

sunscreen, taking care of others and our pets, and having a plan in extreme heat or if you feel unwell.

We also have a video series that I encourage you to view on cost-saving and energy efficient ways to cool your home. Go to penrith.city/beattheheat.

Cr Todd Carney

Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 10 December 2025.