As the upcoming Local Government Election looms closer, current Mayor Todd Carney has reflected upon his term leading the city.
Carney was elected as Mayor in September 2023 and has been a fixture on Council since 2016.
Carney reflected on his time as Mayor, saying that his main goal was to be a strong advocate for the City of Penrith.
“My vision at the beginning of my term as Mayor was one for delivering and advocating for the City of Penrith, which I have had the opportunity to do at a number of parliamentary inquiries and Ministerial meetings,” Carney said.
“I am pleased that as a Councillor team we have focused our advocacy efforts to deliver the clear remit that we want to deliver housing and grow our local jobs, and that this is contingent on the delivery of infrastructure to support growth.
“This includes key roads, to connect our people and business to opportunities coming from the Western Sydney International Airport, while delivering housing in the right places at the right time supported by the right infrastructure.
“Importantly, we continue to seek clarity from the government in relation to flooding to be able to plan responsibly for growth.”
Carney went on to thank his family and supporters during his term as Mayor.
“I would like to pay a special thank you to my family,” Carney said.
“As our city continues to grow… I felt it was important for our city and our community that I put everything into the role as Mayor. After finishing my role as a National Service Manager, I became Mayor full time, this had a financial impact on my family, but more importantly, it impacted on the time I spent with them.
“The only thing I could always count on, despite the challenges, was the love and support from my wife Sharon and my three kids Zach, Lily and Indie. Without their support there would be no way I could have taken on the role. So, to Sharon and the kids thank you for all your love and support over the past 12 months and allowing me the chance to be Mayor.”
Carney thanked his colleagues and predicted the next period for Penrith will be an important one.
“There is so much more to come for our city,” Carney said.
“As I look forward to watching these next milestones unfold across Penrith, I thank everyone who has helped me along the way during my memorable Mayoral term.”
Deputy Mayor Mark Davies commended Carney on his term as Mayor.
“Under your watch Penrith has continued to grow and to succeed and [to] move forward powerfully,” Davies said.
Fellow Councillors John Thain, Ross Fowler and Tricia Hitchen all spoke highly of Carney.
A new Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be elected by the new Council later this year.
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.