Penrith Beach, Stadium Get $9.2M Boost
The funding from the 2025-26 Budget represents the Minns Labor Government’s continued commitment to Western Sydney as it works through a State Significant Rezoning to shape the broader Penrith Lakes precinct into a leading destination for recreation, sports and relaxation.
A $5.2 million investment will deliver two more summers of fun at Penrith Beach which has attracted more than 330,000 visitors since it first opened in December 2023.
Penrith Beach isn’t just a great place to take a dip on summer days it’s also building a better community last season delivering a free Junior Lifesaver program, which helped improve the water safety skills of more than 80 children aged 4 to 12.
The funding announced today will allow safety and wellbeing to remain a top priority, with more free workshops to be scheduled for the upcoming seasons – focusing on water confidence, skin checks, and learn-to-swim programs.
The Minns Government is also delivering $4 million to help improve the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium so they can continue to welcome more than half a million visitors and host 1,700 sporting and community events annually.
The improvements to the precinct 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.
The funding will provide a timely boost to the venues before they appear on the world stage hosting the International Canoe Federation’s Slalom World Championships for the first time in more than 20 years.
From 29 September to 4 October this year, international crowds will gather at Fox Island to witness more than 300 world-class competitors from 50 nations battle it out in the Canoe Slalom. Among them will be the Australian team, featuring Olympic Gold Medallists Jessica and Noemie Fox, along with fellow Olympians Tim Anderson and Tristan Carter.
The Minns Labor Government is building better communities by safeguarding the Penrith Lakes precinct, to make sure it is a vibrant and accessible destination for future generations to enjoy.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“Keeping Penrith Beach open means swimming space equity for the people of Western Sydney, who have missed out until the Minns Labor Government first opened Penrith Beach two years ago.
“Since then, Penrith Beach has quickly become a critical spot for the community to cool down and relax during sweltering summer days.
“The Penrith Lakes Precinct is home to world class athletes like the Fox sisters year-round so we’re making sure the facilities match the athletes.”
Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:
“The Liberals and Nationals kept this local swimming spot locked up for over a decade. The huge success of Penrith Beach over the past two years is proof the community needed their fair share of swimming space.
“Penrith Beach wouldn’t be here without the vision and hard work of Minister Scully and Deputy Premier Prue Car. Their dedication has unlocked a free summer destination for families across 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.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The NSW Government is proud of its Olympic and World Cup legacy.
“While the upgrades to the Olympic precinct in the Budget will support the delivery of the International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships, it will also leave a legacy that inspires the next generation of paddlers to strive for Olympic and World Cup gold like Jess and Noemie Fox.”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
“Penrith has long been recording some of the hottest days on record. It’s never been more important for this community to have options where they can safely swim and enjoy recreation in, on or near the water.
“Penrith Beach, the Regatta Centre and Whitewater Stadium will now be able to deliver exactly that and more. I look forward to many more incredible summers filled with joy, connection and celebration.”
World Champion and Olympic Canoeist Richard Fox said:
“The additional government investment in the Regatta and Whitewater precinct is great news for paddling and water sports.
“Maintaining good water quality is essential for safe and healthy activity on and around water. The planned infrastructure improvements will ensure that events, training and recreation continue to provide social and economic benefits to the community.”
“The mitigating strategies safeguard competitions like the upcoming slalom world championships at Penrith Whitewater, meaning Sydney and Penrith will remain a major destination attraction for events and training.”
https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/92-million-splash-for-penrith-beach-regatta-centre-and-whitewater-stadium