Mayoral Column – Plans to further enhance our beautiful river

Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Penrith City Council loves hearing from our community and many visitors who tell us how much they enjoy facilities like the upgraded Regatta Park, Tench Reserve and new water access to the Nepean River. These public facilities were part of the vision that came to life through Council’s Our River Master Plan 2013.

The Nepean River is an integral part of our City’s identity and our community’s greatest natural asset. Building on the previous plan’s success, Council has developed the Draft Our River Plan 2026-46, a new strategy that will guide future planning for the entire length of the river in the Penrith Local Government Area.

Now on exhibition, the plan recognises the river’s social, recreational and cultural significance and identifies opportunities to unlock further potential in and around the river. Our proposed ideas and projects will take time and resources – including funding - of many to become reality. The plan calls for all levels of government, industry and other stakeholders to continue to work together to realise the next steps.

We have seen many tangible community benefits of the projects delivered to date. The Yandhai Nepean Crossing pedestrian bridge and Nepean Avenue Pedestrian Pathway support active and healthy lifestyles while showcasing the City’s beauty, and the former police cottage revitalisation has given people a great spot to enjoy a coffee or meal with a river view. Our flagship Real Festival, held at Tench Reserve, connects and celebrates our community, attracting around 50,000 attendees.

The Nepean River precinct plays a major role in the future wellbeing of our growing City and Council looks forward to collaborating with partners to achieve even more positive outcomes through this aspirational plan.

Learn more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/our-river-plan. Hard copies are available at Penrith Civic Centre, our libraries and St Marys Business Centre.

You can also provide feedback at Council’s pop-up stall at this year’s Real Festival, from 11-13 September.

I encourage you to read and provide feedback on this plan, to help guide our actions and ensure that we continue to deliver on a shared vision for Penrith and the beautiful Nepean River.

Cr Todd Carney
Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 12 August 2026.