Latest budget to bring vision for Penrith City to life

The Penrith Local Government Area is undergoing a period of major transformation and Penrith City Council’s latest Budget highlights the importance of creating a liveable, connected, active, accessible, and sustainable City for the future. 

Council presented a balanced Budget of just over $384 million at the June Ordinary Meeting with $160 million set aside for Capital Works. The 2022-23 Penrith City Council Operational Plan was endorsed as part of a suite of documents which included the Council's Delivery Program 2022-26.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen thanked residents for taking part in the community consultation process which assists in preparing a well-rounded Budget as Council aligned its vision with the overarching needs of the City.

“Council is pleased to share our latest Budget which is far-reaching, yet practical in terms of scope; we have factored in everything from critical road upgrades and creating local job opportunities to sprucing up playgrounds and enhancing entertainment facilities,” Cr Hitchen said.

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute significant funding for transformative projects that are under construction or nearing completion. These will bring our vision for the City to life as more people call the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) home and we move towards a more liveable, sustainable and connected future,” she said.

As one of the focus areas in Council’s Delivery Program 2022-26 is growing the local economy, Council’s Budget references $42.5 million for the Emu Plains Employment Precinct. The site on Old Bathurst Road is set to generate 300-350 ongoing jobs and will inject an estimated $36.4 million annually into the local economy.

“The Penrith LGA’s population projection for 2036 is 289,142 people and with the Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport under construction on Penrith’s border and associated transport links set to connect St Marys directly to the airport and aerotropolis, the time to transform our growing City is now,” Cr Hitchen said.

“Council’s Budget for the 2022-23 period addresses the six key focus areas identified in our 2022-26 Delivery Program and supports Council in our pursuit of making this City a place where people want to live, work and play.”

You can read the 2022-2026 Delivery Program, including the 2022-2023 Operational Plan here.