Mayoral Column – Here’s to an exciting 2026

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Welcome to 2026. On behalf of Penrith City Council, I wish you all a happy new year and hope that everyone had a safe and relaxing festive period.

This is another big year for Penrith, one of continued progress and opportunity for our community.

I’m especially excited about the opening of Western Sydney International Airport later this year. As the closest City to the Aerotropolis, this is a game-changer for Penrith, which will be connected to the rest of the country and the world like never before.

With more people choosing to live in our incredible City, we recognise the challenge of well-managed growth. Council remains committed to harnessing new social, economic, tourism and recreation opportunities, and delivering diverse housing and jobs.

We continue to call on other levels of government to invest in the infrastructure necessary to support growth in and around our City, including access to equitable public transport.

Our efforts also extend to advocating for a long-term vision and master plan for Penrith Lakes, with permanent access to Penrith Beach.
We’re also building on the success of Penrith’s Our River Master Plan and developing a long-term framework for planning the next chapter of the Nepean River precinct.

Council’s vision for St Marys will start to come to life in 2026 with works to commence on the central park.

We’re taking this proactive approach and planning for Kingswood and Werrington, to meet the community’s evolving needs and aspirations.

We have several recreational projects happening. The design of the indoor multi-sports arena at Claremont Meadows – next to Gipps Street Recreation Precinct – is underway.

Council will again host free events to showcase our vibrant City, further strengthen connection, and nurture our thriving community.

In an exciting first, the 25th Biennale of Sydney will be in Penrith from March. This prestigious art event will put our City on the world stage, as Penrith Regional Gallery exhibits contemporary artworks by Australian and international artists.

I look forward to providing updates and I’m thrilled to see where 2026 takes our wonderful City.

Cr Todd Carney

Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 14 January 2026.