It’s almost as famous as the iconic Penrith Stadium itself but the stench from a sewage pumping station near the intersection of Ransley Street and Mulgoa Road is finally set to be a thing of the past.
The Weekender can confirm that Sydney Water is installing an Odour Control Unit and upgrading the pumping stations themselves in an effort to at least minimise the smell.
Holding your breath has become a common activity for footy lovers when arriving or leaving from games and walking past the pumping station.
And while the current upgrades aren’t necessarily part of the overall Penrith Stadium redevelopment, Sydney Water is taking the opportunity to implement a fix.
“Sydney Water is in the process of upgrading two pumping stations located near the Penrith Stadium,” a Sydney Water spokesperson said.
“As part of the upgrades, Sydney Water will be installing a new Odour Control Unit which is expected to be complete along with the stadium upgrade.
“Some wastewater pumping stations do emit smells and this work will reduce the odour in this location.”
The news comes as the State Opposition this week declared the smell needed to be eradicated once and for all.
Shadow Minister for Water, Steph Cooke, said the infamous stench had been joked about by locals for too long – and was leaving residents and tourists in the dumps.
“It’s a poor outcome when the Minns Labor government can plan to build a whole new stadium and leave what is basically an outhouse at the front door,” Cooke said.
Cooke also has doubts that Sydney Water’s upgrades will solve the issue.
“Even after winning four premierships, 20,000 Panthers fans will have to walk past this smelly sewage station every time they leave the current and future Penrith Stadium on their way home, or to celebrate at the Leagues Club,” Cooke said.
“That doesn’t even begin to cover more patrons using the upgraded facilities at the stadium itself. The people of Penrith know this ‘improvement’ stinks.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.