THE Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM, said the NSW Budget is delivering for Penrith.
“The 2025-26 NSW Budget is focused on securing the future of our essential services and unlocking the next era of economic growth across New South Wales as we rebuild essential services, invest in local communities, and drive economic growth across our community,” Mrs McKeown said.
“Nowhere is that commitment clearer than in Penrith. Following one of the toughest cost-of-living crises in a generation, NSW is turning a corner. This budget plays a critical role in lowering interest rates, growing real wages, and positioning our economy for long term stability and shared prosperity.
Leisure & Recreation: “Significant funding has been committed to ensure Penrith residents enjoy access to quality outdoor and leisure spaces. Welcoming more than 330,000 visitors in just 18 months, Penrith Beach will reopen for the next two summers thanks to a $5.2 million investment. An additional $4 million has been allocated to vital water and asset management works at Penrith Lakes, which will see major upgrades to our Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
“The continuation of a further $3.2 million funding boost by the Australian and NSW Governments to support Paddle Australia in
hosting the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships in October this year will assist in bring around 300 competitors from 50 countries and thousands of spectators to Penrith, showcasing our region and facilities on the global stage.
“This momentum is matched by the $309 million redevelopment of Penrith Stadium. A Government commitment which is now well underway, which will strengthen local pride and community connection by transforming the venue into a premier destination for sport, major events and tourism.
“A further $586 million has been invested to grow the Creative Economy with investments in the NSW screen industry as well as music, culture, tourism, and the nighttime economy, initiatives that have already begun to see tremendous success out here in Penrith during the Permit/Plug/Play Pilot in 2024.
“Supported by the 2025-26 Budget, we’re preparing Penrith to become a thriving destination for world-class events and unforgettable local leisure, cementing our place as the beating hear of Western Sydney’s recreational and cultural future.
Education & Training: “Education and training are central to this Budget. A landmark $5.6 billion state investment in public schools, supported by $4.8 billion from the Albanese Labor Government, ensures public education is fully funded and resourced.
“In Penrith, upgrades will occur to specialist facilities at Cranebrook High School as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education Partner School Program. Further, commitment has been retained in the continuing upgrades of local schools, Kingswood Park Public School, York Public School and Kingswood Public School by expanding their infrastructure to ensure the best education is provided to all our students.
“Local schools are seeing the benefits of the Minns Government’s continued investment in teacher recruitment and retention, with vacancies in the region down 43.3 per cent compared to the start of 2023, a 61.6 per cent drop since the peak of the teacher shortage.
“In a major boost to Western Sydney’s construction workforce, the NSW Government will fund 90,000 fee-free apprenticeships and invest $1.2 billion in TAFE to bring more than 23,000 new construction workers into the sector.
“With a strong focus out here in Penrith, the Minn’s Governments investment is backed by the $80 million Institute of Applied Technology for Construction at TAFE NSW Nepean – Kingswood, which will continue to ensure clear pathways to secure, well-paid jobs and address critical skill shortages in the construction workforce.”
Infrastructure & Transportation: “The Minns Labor Government continues to back major infrastructure development out here in Penrith. Transport and road upgrades in Penrith are well underway, delivering real benefits for the local community. A $58.8 million investment in Mulgoa Road Stage 1, from Blaikie Road to the M4, will ease congestion and improve travel times.”
Tanya Davies: Budget completely absent on key issues
Liberal Member for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies released a statement saying that “after two years in office, Labor’s Budget reads like a collection of band-aids.”
“This year’s Budget confirms what many households already know – their bills are going up, their pay packets are being stretched, and the Government is not keeping up with the rising cost of living,” Mrs Davies said.
“There is no cost-of-living plan. There is no tax reform. There is no visionary infrastructure like we saw under the Coalition. Families are paying more, but they are not getting more,” Mrs Davies said. “This Budget is light on infrastructure, silent on the hundreds of millions in project deferrals, and completely absent on the key issues facing our communities.”
