The future of Penrith Beach remains uncertain as it prepares for its final day of operation tomorrow.
But Penrith City Council has given hope that it will return next summer.
Penrith Beach officially opened in December last year with hundreds of thousands people flocking to the new summer favourite.
Its original planned season was extended through to ANZAC Day.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the beach was a hit, and is hopeful it will return and become a permanent part of local summers.
“I’m delighted that the community has embraced this hidden gem in Penrith,” Carney said.
“Seeing Penrith City Council’s long-held vision and advocacy around this space come to fruition during the hot summer months has been wonderful. To be able to provide residents with a place to cool off has been an enormous win for the community.
“With the success of the Beach, its demand highlights the need to create permanent access to this space for future summers.
“I’m looking forward to continuing our work with the State Government in utilising the natural environment of Penrith Lakes to provide a cool and refreshing escape for the Penrith LGA and western Sydney for many years to come.”
But others involved in the project have been quiet over its future.
The beach’s return will be dependent on Western Sydney Lakes and the involvement in the State Government.
Western Sydney Lakes has a detailed plan regarding the future look of the site, including a permanent beach vastly different to the temporary activation this year.
The Weekender reached out to a series of major players involved in the beach including Minster for Western Sydney and Deputy Premier Prue Car, State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown, Western Sydney Lakes, and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, and received no confirmation of any plans to reopen the beach in the future.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure did acknowledge the Government is considering what happens next but gave no clear indication.
“The Government is considering future options,” it said.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.