Tench Reserve will be transformed into a brand new recreational precinct if the Liberal Party win government on Saturday.
$5 million will facilitate the upgrade of a new boat ramp, pontoons, more trailer parking, a promenade and wharf and surrounding road and pathway infrastructure.
The funds will be handed to Penrith City Council to manage, and construction will bring to life a long-term vision of Council’s.
“We have a masterplan for the whole river precinct from bridge to bridge and this will be an integral part of that,” Deputy Mayor Ross Fowler said.
“The river is a great asset to Penrith that is probably under utilised and this will improve that.”
The upgrade will complement the development of a restaurant precinct adjacent to the existing Coffee Club approved by Council in April this year, with spaces for events, supported by access for large vehicles and a roundabout to manage traffic flow.
It will also extend the access point to the boat ramp to the southern side of the M4 motorway bridge, bringing in and activating that whole extra area as part of the precinct.
Liberal Senator for Western Sydney and local resident, Marise Payne, said the investment is a great initiative.
“It’s a landmark announcement, an opportunity for the Federal Government to financially support Council in making this precinct even more special than it is,” she said.
“Whether it’s a brisk but clear winter’s day or a 40 plus degree Penrith summer day, this is a go-to space for so many people that live and work here.”
Member for Lindsay Fiona Scott said the future of the precinct is huge, that will be made more accessible for current river users, and attract new people.
“You can see on the mapping where it talks about potentially having markets and things like that down here,” she said.
“It means that this facility here at the river which is so loved and is so iconic, we are going to love it some more.”
The investment adds to the $270,000 committed to upgrading the rowing ramp at Nepean Rowing Club near the Victoria Bridge.
