Penrith City Council is preparing to deliver significant projects that will support Penrith's evolving community and continues to advocate for further Government investment in the City.
At the Ordinary Meeting on 20 April, Council endorsed its draft plans and associated fees and charges, to go on public exhibition. The draft plans set out what will be delivered over the next 12 months - with a focus on improving liveability, sustainability, community wellbeing and a thriving local economy. These are now on public exhibition.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the plans respond to the community's aspirations and demonstrate Council's commitment to delivering for a City undergoing major transformation.
"These documents reflect what our community told us is important and outline how we will deliver on the Community Strategic Plan and our shared vision for Penrith," Cr Carney said.
He said that while Council is clear on its own priorities, other levels of Government must also come to the table to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
"In the lead-up to the next Federal and State budget announcements, Council has lifted our advocacy efforts to ensure Penrith stays front of mind in future decision-making," Cr Carney said.
General Manager Andrew Moore said the Council is focused on providing for the community's needs and managing growth responsibly, while also balancing the financial and operational sustainability of the organisation.
"As our City continues to evolve as an economic driver and highly liveable City at the heart of Western Sydney, Council has a key role to play in managing growth responsibly and in a financially sustainable way, while continuing to deliver the high-quality services and infrastructure our community relies on," Mr Moore said.
The Mayor said Council had been advocating strongly to the Australian and NSW Governments for further investment in the City ahead of the 2026-27 Federal Budget announcement in May and the 2026-27 State Budget delivery in June.
This has been achieved through pre-budget submissions listing priority projects, meetings with government representatives and by leading conversations with strategic partners and organisations.
"Penrith is transforming, and as the voice of our community, Council is urging all levels of government to continue working together to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with the unprecedented growth we are experiencing," Cr Carney said.
"Game-changing infrastructure like the Western Sydney International Airport opening and the Sydney Metro that will directly link St Marys to the airport is spurring this growth - our community needs more homes and jobs, better roads and public transport connections and enhanced liveability.
"Through ongoing collaboration, we can deliver on the shared vision for our thriving City."
Key initiatives for the year ahead include progressing the St Marys central park project to anchor Council's visionary St Marys Town Centre Master Plan, upgrades at Cook Park and Bennett Park in St Marys, delivering community events, revitalising local centres, continued investment
in bushland and nursery services, responding to climate risk and building resilience.
Council's Draft 2025-29 Delivery Program, incorporating the Draft 2026-27 Operational Plan, and the Draft 2026-27 Fees and Charges will be on public exhibition from Monday 27 April to Monday 25 May.
The Penrith community can view the documents online or in person at the Penrith Civic Centre, St Marys Business Office or any Penrith City Library. Learn more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/DPOP-public-exhibition
To read Council's Advocacy Strategy, visit penrith.city/advocacypriorities
