The Minns Labor Government is investing $5 million into making Penrith Lakes a recreational fishing haven that will open parts of the parklands to people for the first time after the transformation is completed in 2028.
Planning and design work is currently underway to deliver what will become known as the Penrith Lakes Fishing Park – a new flagship recreational fishing haven for Western Sydney within the Penrith Lakes complex.
This project is part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to growing participation in this popular outdoor activity and a great way to launch Gone Fishing Weekend today.
Recreational fishing has increased in popularity in recent years especially among young people showing off their catch on 'FishTok'. Concept work for this exciting new development has been undertaken and soon Western Sydney communities will have their own fishing haven right in their own backyard.
The proposal will see two of the artificial waterbodies at Penrith Lakes converted into family -friendly recreational fishing lakes, that are safe, accessible for everyone and provide first class recreational fishing opportunities in the heart of Western Sydney.
To further progress the transformation of the Lakes into a fishing haven the Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car and Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty today released more than 200 Australian native Bass fish to kick start a stocking program to attract recreational fishers.
Fishing for Bass is a popular pastime, because this fish is a powerful predator, known for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature, making them a thrilling catch for experienced or beginner anglers.
The project will design and construct the following family friendly facilities to deliver the fishing haven:
- Full fish stocking program, increasing the number of mature and immature native fish into the Lakes to create a unique marine environment
- Walking tracks to and around the lakes and car parks next to each lake
- Fishing platforms and disabled access ramps in each lake that access for everyone to safely get close to the water for their fishing
- Fish cleaning tables and fishing gear tidy bins for disposing of items such as offcut line and hooks
- Seating and tables plus restroom amenities and picnic areas.
This Minns Government proposal is responding directly to the priorities of recreational fishers that they put forward during consultation this year to produce the Enhancing Recreational Fishing Action Plan.
There is currently no public access allowed to the two lakes that will be the centrepiece of the project site at Penrith Lakes. This project will open up additional park space for Western Sydney communities.
The Penrith Lakes Fishing Park is part of the Minns Labor Government's investment in delivering infrastructure for Western Sydney families and follows the opening of Penrith Beach which has seen almost 450,000 visitors since December 2023.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
"Western Sydney families deserve a range of outdoor spaces close to home, and the new Penrith Lakes Fishing Park will deliver exactly that.
"At a time when families are under pressure, having free, world-class, outdoor destinations nearby including Penrith Lakes, Penrith Beach, and the new Gulguer National Park will make a real difference.
"The Minns Labor Government's investment will continue the transformation of Penrith Lakes into a destination for generations of local families and young fishers to enjoy."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Penrith Lakes has enormous potential as a place for recreation, and this proposal is an exciting opportunity to create a new fishing destination for Western Sydney.
"We want to see Penrith Lakes become a place that more people can enjoy, while making sure the necessary planning, access and safety requirements are properly addressed."
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
"Recreational fishing is a great way to enjoy our wonderful landscapes and time with family or friends; these lakes when completed will bring great joy to western Sydney.
"This $5 million proposal will create a popular fishing location that is accessible for everyone, including women, kids and people with a disability.
"It's a game changer for anyone in Sydney who loves to fish or wants to give it a go without owning a boat or heading onto an ocean rock platform.
"This will be a major drawcard for anyone visiting Sydney that wants to have a fun day out. In time we will investigate other opportunities like fishing guides, or a tackle shop and other experiences to make this even better.
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
"This is fantastic news for Penrith and another reason for families from across Western Sydney to come and enjoy everything our local area has to offer.
"Having a dedicated fishing park right here at Penrith Lakes would give local families a new place to get outdoors, learn to fish and spend time together.
"As a Penrith local, I know how much our community values great outdoor spaces, and I'm excited about the potential for Penrith Lakes to become a fishing destination that locals can enjoy for years to come."
Interim Chair of the NSW Recreational Fishing Peak Body Greg Seeto said:
"The Penrith Lakes Fishing Park has the potential to become a fantastic fishing destination for Western Sydney, giving families a safe and accessible place to get outdoors and enjoy fishing"
"Creating more quality fishing opportunities close to where people live is an important part of making recreational fishing more accessible and encouraging greater participation."
"Improving fishing access and participation are important priorities identified through public consultation and reflected in the NSW Recreational Fishing Action Plan. As an independent representative body, our role is to ensure recreational fishers have a strong voice in decisions affecting the future of fishing across NSW."
"We look forward to working constructively with the NSW Government and the recreational fishing community to deliver better fishing opportunities and experiences across the state"
