Penrith City Council will undertake a $24 million project to transform the Regatta Park on River Road.
The project, which will be funded through the three levels of government, is round one of the Western City Livability Program, which is seeing out projects across the eight Greater Western Sydney Councils.
Penrith’s project will deliver upgrades to pedestrian, cycle and disability access; improve urban amenity through a larger waterfront and enhanced open green space as well as introducing environmental protections to improve water quality in the Nepean River.
Minister for Western Sydney and Penrith MP, Stuart Ayres, said the announcement was another major milestone for the Western Sydney City Deal.
“The collaboration between all levels of Government is really delivering tangible outcomes for the Western Parkland City, which will continue to thrive under the landmark 20-year agreement,” he said.
“This program will bolster our Parkland City’s transformation into one of the most vibrant and liveable places in Australia.
“Regatta Park is already a popular spot for locals and after this investment we’ll all have even more reason to visit.”
$170 million will be distributed to the eight councils for their own individual projects.
“The successful projects will support the growth of the Western Parkland City by enhancing it as a great place to live and work,” Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge said.
“They include new and redeveloped parks, sport and recreation facilities, rejuvenating town centres and creating spaces for arts and cultural events.”
Once the funding is allocated, it is up to Council to ensure the roll-out of the project.
Mr Ayres said the projects should be completed within three years.
However, the announcement came with great scrutiny as Labor Shadow Minister for Western Sydney and Londonderry MP Prue Car said the Liberal Government have the wrong priorities.
“Western Sydney continues to cry out for the basics to be delivered, like affordable power bills, public transport and motorways, and schools and hospitals before stadiums,” she said.
Ms Car said that while there is support for City Deals, the Berejiklian Government was “failing to get the basics right”.
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Nicola Barton is a news journalist with the Western Weekender, primarily covering crime and politics.
