Penrith City Council has reopened a repaired section of the lower pathway along River Road, Emu Plains, restoring community access to part of the Great River Walk following flood damage in 2022.
The reopened section is located opposite the Penrith Regional Gallery and extends south towards the M4 bridge. Works in this area focused on clearing vegetation, mowing and repairing or replacing picnic tables. This means the space can now be safely enjoyed once again for walking, picnicking and river views.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said reopening sections of the walk, where it is safe to do so, was an important step forward for the community.
"The Great River Walk is a much-loved part of our City, and we know how keen the community has been to see access restored. We acknowledge it has taken some time for this to happen and we thank the community for their patience," Cr Carney said.
"There is still more work to be done along the riverbank, but reopening this section allows people to reconnect with the river where it is safe to do so, while we continue planning the next stages of repair."
Some nearby sections of the riverbank remain closed. A short section of pathway near the M4 bridge is expected to reopen in late January 2026. The viewing deck opposite the Penrith Regional Gallery remains closed due to vandalism and is expected to reopen in the near future.
The northern section of the riverbank and lower pathway, from opposite the Penrith Regional Gallery to Regatta Park, will remain closed. Extensive stabilisation and remediation works are required in this area, and planning and design development is now underway.
More information is available at yoursaypenrith.com.au/flood-recovery-projects
