In excellent news for water lovers of Sydney’s west, the NSW government has just announced a huge $9.2 million investment to keep the area’s favourite swimming spot – Penrith Beach (aka Pondi) – open for two more seasons, as well as introducing some serious upgrades to the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
First up: Pondi. To keep the popular urban beach open for a further two summers, the NSW government is investing $5.2 million in the maintenance and operation of Penrith Beach – which has attracted more than 330,000 visitors since it first opened in December 2023. While the main function of Penrith Beach is as a site for summer recreation in Sydney’s west, it’s also a site for education – offering a free Junior Lifesaver program, which has already helped to improve the water safety skills of more than 80 children aged 4 to 12. The fresh round of funding will support more free workshops, as well as free skin checks and learn-to-swim programs for the community.
The other recipients of this new round of water-focused funding are the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium, with $4 million in funding going towards supporting these venues to welcome more than half a million visitors and host 1,700 sporting and community events annually. The improvements to the precinct will include the installation of a sluice gate, aquatic weed control to enhance water flow, regular water quality testing and reporting, the use of sonic buoys to prevent algae outbreaks, drainage line repairs to reduce flooding and erosion restoration around stormwater infrastructure. All this ahead of the International Canoe Federation’s Slalom World Championships, which will be held in Sydney later this year.
The World Championships are a good incentive to improve the infrastructure and facilities in the area as Western Sydney takes to the world stage, but according to the government, the main focus is on improving the area for the residents of Western Sydney.
“Families from Western Sydney shouldn’t have to travel across the city to enjoy quality outdoor spaces and this investment ensures local families have fantastic recreational facilities right in their backyard,” explained Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos.
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