Nepean riverfront project boon

PENRITH Council has been handed more money to beautify an area overlooking the Nepean River — in time for its inaugural river festival.

The State Government is investing heavily in increasing resident and tourist flow along the magical Nepean River, captured by Tom Walsh in April as part of the ‘Go West Photo Competition’.

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PENRITH Council has been handed more money to beautify an area overlooking the Nepean River — in time for its inaugural river festival.

Minister for Planning Rob Stokes and Penrith state Liberal MP Stuart Ayres on Monday announced $115,000 from the NSW Government for a new 400-metre concrete path and new landscaping in Tench Reserve, Penrith.

“There you go — more investment in the river,” Mr Ayres said, pointing to the old world style Nepean Belle paddlewheeler and a flurry of walkers enjoying the sun behind him.

A $49 million footbridge over the Nepean River will be ready to walk across in 2018, Minister for Roads Duncan Gay and the Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres announced in May. Artist design supplied by RMS.

The popular Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler was launched in October 1982 and run by the Wakeling family for 32 years. Local residents, Chris and Carol Bennett purchased the business in October 2013.

Penrith deputy mayor Ross Fowler told the Penrith Press the council was “very happy” to receive this funding as it moves forward with planning for its free Penrith River Festival on November 4-5, when the riverbanks will come to life with illuminated light and interactive art displays, live music and pop-up restaurants.

“We’re looking forward to that becoming something iconic into the future,” Cr Fowler said.

Mr Ayres told the Penrith Press he hoped his government’s continued investment in the Nepean River Precinct would also invigorate interest among private partners to build restaurants in the new café and bar precinct approved by Penrith Council on the street facing the river, Tench Ave.

NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes (left), Penrith state Liberal MP Stuart Ayres and Penrith deputy mayor Ross Fowler at Tench Reserve for Monday’s announcement.

Tench Reserve is a popular place to cool down in Summer. Pictured are using the rope swing to launch into the Nepean River in early January. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“It wouldn’t surprise me if it (building) doesn’t start shortly,” Cr Fowler told the Penrith Press, adding “we’ve had a lot of inquiries.”

Minister Stokes said the new path and landscape funding is part of a longer-term plan to create the Great Nepean River Walk.

He hoped the path and landscaping, including new rain gardens, would be a catalyst for more activity between the M4 Motorway and Victoria Rd bridges.

Penrith Council’s ‘Music by the River’ program along the Nepean River has proven popular in Summer.

Said Mr Fowler: “There’s a lot of people who want to do walks and ride bikes around the community ... and to be healthy (and) share what is a great amenity, the river.”

Said Mr Stokes of Penrith Council’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program application: “This was one of the best ones ... because it’s part of a greater scheme.”

The council received $187,500 in the 2014-15 program.

The new funding is on top of $5 million promised by the Turnbull Government in June for the next stage of the Nepean River Precinct facelift.

An artist impression of the proposed Nepean River Precinct upgrade in Penrith, publicly released by the Turnbull Government on June 28, 2016.

The Precinct upgrade project includes a new boat ramp, pontoons, extra boat trailer parking, a promenade, wharf, bicycle and running paths, amenity blocks, a rowing dock, roundabouts, a walkway to the M4 bridge, and a bus turning area.

■ Enjoy a lazy Sunday by the Nepean River with free live music when Penrith Council’s Music by the River program returns to Tench Reserve on Sunday, September 18, 11am to 4pm.