Council champions housing and infrastructure delivery

 Penrith City Council proudly sponsored the Western Sydney Property and Infrastructure Forum, hosted at the Western Sydney Conference Centre in Penrith on 11 April 2025.

Bringing together industry leaders, developers, business owners and government representatives, the forum provided a crucial platform to spotlight the infrastructure and policy changes needed to unlock Penrith’s full potential as a thriving hub for housing, jobs and economic growth.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney addressed attendees, reaffirming Council’s commitment to strategic planning and collaboration with all levels of government and the private sector.

“Penrith is just one piece of the Western Sydney puzzle, but we hold a unique position – the closest city to the new airport, and the only one to be connected by rail,” Cr Carney said.

“We have the strategic plans and zoning in place. Now, we need the infrastructure to support it — infrastructure that connects communities, enables housing delivery and enhances liveability.”

Cr Carney highlighted the importance of coordinated infrastructure investment to match Penrith’s projected population and job growth, including the urgent need for a full-length north-south rail connection and rapid bus network.

“Council has consistently demonstrated its ability to collaborate with the property industry to deliver outcomes that benefit both community and business. We are calling on the NSW and Australian Governments to join us in fast-tracking the infrastructure that will unlock housing and employment across our region.”

Council promoted its visionary St Marys Town Centre Master Plan at the event, which aims to deliver more than 9,000 new homes and 8,000 new jobs by 2041 through a sustainable, well-planned urban renewal strategy.

“St Marys is proof of what’s possible when planning, collaboration and investment align. Our approach in St Marys demonstrates Council’s credentials in delivering place-based, evidence-backed growth,” Cr Carney said.

The forum, delivered in partnership with the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, comes at a critical time for the region — with major growth on the horizon and important government investment decisions on the agenda.

“We thank UDIA NSW and the Penrith Valley Chamber for bringing this event to life in our city,” said Cr Carney.

“It’s only through ongoing collaboration between government, industry and the community that we can realise Penrith’s potential as a powerhouse of housing, jobs and opportunity in Western Sydney.” 

Council premiered this short video at the Forum highlighting Penrith’s vision for the future - as the closest city to the new Western Sydney International Airport and the only one connected by rail, we are uniquely placed to lead.