THE Minns Labor Government has announced a new ‘beach’ in Penrith, soon to be added to the list of NSW’s most iconic places to swim, that will ensure people in Western Sydney have a place to cool off over summer.
In 2020, Penrith earned the title of the hottest place on earth with residents sweltering under a baking 48.9 degrees Celsius and in any heat wave it can be up to 10 degrees hotter than the east.
But access to outdoor swimming spots for Western Sydney residents is limited. It’s 40 kilometres to get to Lake Parramatta, 63 kilometres to Bondi Beach and 75 kilometres to either Cronulla or Manly.
The beach will be open seven days a week from late December to early March 2024 with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The same length as Bondi Beach, Penrith Beach will offer an unmatched waterside experience in the heart of Western Sydney where people of all ages and backgrounds can safely enjoy the water for free.
Lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone.
This is backed by a $1.7 million investment from the NSW Government for vital construction and safety work to get this major new swimming spot at Penrith Lakes ready to swim over the hottest months of the year.
The site will be managed by the Department of Planning and Environment after an agreement signed with Western Sydney Lakes.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“Penrith Beach is a gamechanger that gives the people of Western Sydney all the benefits of living in the west, with the addition of easy access to their very own beach.
“This is about fairness. For too long Western Sydney locals were neglected as the Liberals and Nationals focused all their energy on investment in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
“The Minns Labor Government made a decision to create this magnificent recreation facility to give Western Sydney residents their fair share with the same access to swimming as Sydney’s east.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“As temperatures rise, access to water near where you live has never been more important –regardless of age, ability, or postcode – everyone should have access to a safe place to cool off.
“Penrith broke records for being the hottest place on earth and another sweltering summer is ahead of us, so a place to swim is important to support public health.
“We’ve always said that communities need infrastructure to support their growth. We took this decision to support the people of Western Sydney.
“This is a location of which the people of Western Sydney can be proud and which will make the rest of Sydney a little bit jealous!”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
“I have lived in the Penrith community for over 35 years, so I know what a sweltering summer’s day feels like here.
“Since the day I was elected I have been advocating that this gem is open up for our community.
“I know just how much local residents are going to embrace and enjoy this new swimming spot close to home over Christmas and the school holidays.
“It’s an incredible amenity for families and friends to come and cool off, with the backdrop of the beautiful mountains, and I’m so proud to see this project come to life.”
