The reason Penrith’s Great River Walk remains in state of disrepair

EMILY FESZCZUK

The impact of the recent year’s flooding events can be seen all along the banks of the Nepean River, particularly along the Great River Walk near Penrith Weir.

While a section of the track has been seemingly forgotten, Penrith City Council insists that is it working behind the scenes to address serious safety issues.

Long-time Penrith resident Kathy Briggs, who tries to walk down near Nepean Rowing Club as much as she can, said she has been “ashamed” to see the state of disrepair the section is in.

“I am a bit older so I prefer walking my dog there as it is quieter but near the weir has been ravaged by the elements and the once structurally sound bridges have been left by Council, covered in fallen branches and cracked footpaths making it a sorry sight,” Briggs said.

“The signs have been damaged and not replaced and there is a ‘beware of snakes’ sign, which is the first I’ve seen in over 30 years living here but I think it is due to the vegetation that has been allowed to cover the fencing and encroach onto the path.”

A Penrith Council spokesperson said that severe flooding from repeated flood events in 2021 and 2022 has damaged sections of the Great River Walk, which remain unsafe to open to the public.

“Council is working with the Office of Emergency Management to access Disaster Recovery Funding, which will enable repairs to be carried out,” the spokesperson said.

“The extensive nature of the repairs requires specialist geotechnical and structural assessment, of which there is a state-wide shortage given the widespread flooding the state has suffered in recent times.”

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