Penrith Mayor Todd Carney outlined his priorities for the next two years, at the 26 October Council Meeting, after being elected for a third consecutive term last month.
“When I was first elected Mayor of Penrith in 2016, my vision was clear – I wanted my kids and grandkids to be able to grow up near quality education and jobs, in a place that is well connected and offers a great quality of life,” he said.
“That is the future I want for every family in Penrith: local jobs, housing people can afford, safe and vibrant neighbourhoods, reliable services, great parks and facilities, more time with family and friends – and the community spirit that make our City feel like home.”
Mayor Carney said the new airport – which opened to passengers on 25 October – as well as the future Metro, were accelerating change across the region and that Council’s task was to prepare for that growth while continuing to deliver the services and infrastructure our community relied on.
“Growth must improve daily life for people who have lived here for generations and those who are beginning to call Penrith home,” Mayor Carney said.
“I know growth and change look different for everyone. It brings new opportunities but also concerns about congestion, construction and pressure on local services. We must keep our community at the heart of decisions, communicate clearly and respond practically.”
Council would continue its focus on more jobs close to home, as well as increasing housing, advocating for further infrastructure and increasing access to green spaces, Mayor Carney said.
“In St Marys, we are moving from planning to delivery. The long-term vision includes around 9,300 new homes and more than 8,300 new jobs. Construction of the central park is underway, creating a green civic heart close to shops, transport and community facilities.
“We are also progressing plans for Kingswood-Werrington. With Nepean Hospital, Western Sydney University, TAFE NSW and private health providers, this corridor is a leading hub for health, education and innovation. Our focus is safer public spaces, better connections, more housing choice and more local jobs.
“Delivering this shared vision also depends on the infrastructure Penrith needs. Council cannot provide the infrastructure required for this scale of growth alone. Guided by our refreshed Advocacy Strategy, we will continue to press the Australian and NSW Governments for greater investment and practical solutions.
“At the same time, growth shouldn’t come at the expense of the places we love. We will need to leverage growth and continue to protect the Nepean River, improve access to green spaces, increase shade and tree canopy, support healthy waterways and pursue a lasting vision for Penrith Beach and Penrith Lakes.”
Mayor Carney said to realise the priorities, Could had to remain financially sustainable for the long term.
“Demand for services is growing, assets are ageing and infrastructure costs continue to rise. Over the next 2 years, we will need to make some tough decisions and carefully manage change to support our community, environment and economy.
“Our community trusts us to deliver a shared vision for Penrith. That means planning responsibly for the facilities, infrastructure, services and beautiful places our people need now and into the future, while setting Council up to remain financially sustainable for the long term and ensuring future generations inherit a strong, liveable and prosperous Penrith.
“Together, we can shape growth in a way that works for local people and turns change into lasting benefits for our City.”
