The NSW Government is seeking community feedback on plans to expand employment land, protect the environment and improve public space near Penrith Lakes.
Proposed amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Penrith Lakes Scheme) 1989 are on public exhibition that aim to extend the employment zone by 13 hectares, rezone 12 hectares of land for recreation and conservation uses and change requirements to ensure development is better protected against flooding.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said these changes would increase job opportunities in Penrith, provide certainty for the site's future and benefit the environment and the community.
"These amendments demonstrate the Government's commitment to providing certainty for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and put them in a position of strength once we're on the other side of the crisis," Mr Stokes said.
"These proposed changes are the next stage of the transformation of an old sand quarry into a vibrant commercial and recreational destination."
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the proposed amendments would pave the way for thousands of jobs on the doorstep of Western Sydney residents.
"These proposed amendments signify the NSW Government's strong backing of business and economic success for Western Sydney," Mr Ayres said.
"The future Nepean Business Park will enable the creation of nearly 18,450 direct and indirect jobs and inject nearly $2 billion into the economy as well as great public space for the community to enjoy, including pedestrian and cycleways and wetlands."
If approved, these changes will allow for development applications to progress to rehabilitate the site, safeguard it against flooding and subdivide the land, with construction of the building premises likely to begin within the next two years.
The proposed amendments are on exhibition until Monday, 11 May 2020. For more information and to provide your feedback visit our Penrith Lakes SEPP page.
