Lobby group Business Western Sydney unveils bold plan for 22 new river beaches

Waterways in western Sydney would be transformed with beaches, trails and jetty pools under an ambitious plan to reshape the city’s connection with its rivers.

A new report has called for a bold rethink of Western Sydney’s relationship with it’s waterways, proposing the development of up to 22 new river beaches.

Business advocacy group Business Western Sydney unveiled the Our Rivers report on Friday as a conversation starter to challenge the under-utilisation of Sydney’s rivers.

The proposal builds on the state government’s success with Penrith Beach, affectionately dubbed Pondi, which saw more than 200,000 visitors when opened it last summer.

The plan is urging additional developments like Penrith Beach. Photo: Supplied

The group is calling on the government to commit to improving community access along the Paramatta, Hawkesbury-Nepean and Georges Rivers, with new beaches, jetty pools and trails.

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said the proposal represents a “extraordinary opportunity” to reshape the region’s future.

“Brisbane, often considered Australia’s premier river city, has embraced its waterways with vision and resilience,” he said.

“Western Sydney’s rivers, by comparison, remain largely untapped, despite their potential to unlock significant social, environmental and economic benefits.

“This document is meant to spark a conversation on how we can transform our relationships with these waterways and reimagine their role in Western Sydney’s future.”

Business Western Sydney’s David Borger spruiked the plan at an event Friday. Picture: Supplied.

An artists impression of development at Camden Lakes. Picture: Supplied/ Business Western Sydney

The project has not been costed, but would be a “rounding error” compared to other infrastructure projects, he told 2GB on Friday.

The proposal calls for every resident in Western Sydney to have access to riverfronts within 30 minutes of home, spelling out benefits including a reduction in ambient temperatures.

Among the ideas are a sandy jetty pool with accompanying sharknet off the Hawkesbury River near Windsor, an urban lagoon at Camellia on the Parramatta River and a beach at the Georges River off Haigh Park.

The proposed “urban oasis” at Camellia. Picture: Supplied/ Business Western Sydney

The ambitious plan has already attracted attention, with Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting calling for the NSW Government to explore improvements to waterways.

“In Blacktown City, Prospect Reservoir is a vast area of natural beauty under-utilised by our growing community – there is a great opportunity there,” he said.

“Greater access to the reservoir and other waterways would encourage exercise and make for healthier, happier communities.”

Originally published as Lobby group Business Western Sydney unveils bold plan for 22 new river beaches