Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Have your say on river plan

The Nepean River is one of the defining features of Penrith. In 2013, with the help of our community, we developed the Our River Masterplan to guide Penrith City Council’s future planning for the Nepean River.

The Our River Masterplan has been our roadmap for the past 10 years, informing our decisions and allowing us to advocate for and coordinate the delivery of projects that we know are important to our community. Many projects identified in the original Masterplan are delivered or underway, including transformational projects such as the Real Festival, Regatta Park Upgrade, Tench Reserve Upgrade and Police Cottage restoration.

We’ve also delivered ongoing improvements to public amenities, including new footpaths, upgraded lighting, new viewing and fishing platforms, kayak launch pads, and riverbank regeneration to enhance people’s use and enjoyment.

It’s exciting to see the Nepean River Precinct come to life. With the completion of Regatta Park and Tench Reserve upgrades in sight, its reputation as one of parkrun is also partnering with JDRF Australia on the event, a leading charity funding vital research into reducing the burden of living with Type 1 diabetes and searching for a cure.

Next Saturday, July 15, Sarah is inviting everyone, but especially those living with Type 1 diabetes and their families, to join her at Nepean River parkrun dressed in blue to get some fresh air and exercise while making brand new friends.

Following parkrun there will also be a meet and greet for children with Type 1 diabetes in the adjacent playground so they can share stories, make new connections or just be kids and play.

Sarah is encouraging plenty of people to lace up their shoes and head out to the event, even if it’s their first time.

“I’m hoping to see lots of people there,” she said.

“There are a lot of people that we know are already coming, and there are a lot of people that have donated to my website, which is really nice.” western Sydney’s best destinations will only continue to grow.

For more information or to donate, visit facebook.com/nepeanriverparkrun.

10 years on from the development of the original masterplan, Council has secured funding through the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program to review and contemporise this important planning document.

Your ideas and input will play an essential role in shaping the direction and priorities of the updated Masterplan, so I encourage everyone to get involved.

Share your ideas at the listening posts at the Nepean River or provide feedback at yoursaypenrith.com.au/ourriver before 5pm Monday, July 25.

Thursday, July 6, 10 am-12 pm

Tench Reserve North Playground – Cnr Jamison Road/Tench Avenue

Saturday, July 8, 8.30am-10.30am

Tench Reserve – adjacent to Tench Reserve Playground

Saturday, July 8, 11am-1.00pm

Great River Walk – Cnr Punt Road/River Road.

CR TRICIA HITCHEN Mayor of Penrith